PORTLAND, Ore. — Prosecutors have dismissed all charges against a person accused in the fatal shooting of a man in a Northeast Portland Safeway parking lot last month, after a grand jury declined to indict.
Charges Dropped
Ashe Sarethi, 41, had been charged with second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon in connection with the death of Jasen Fitzsimmons, 42. But on Friday, court records show, a grand jury returned a “not true bill” for both counts, meaning the panel found insufficient evidence to move forward.
As a result, the state declared it could not proceed with prosecution, and the charges were formally dismissed later that same day. An indictment hearing set for Monday morning was subsequently cancelled.
The Shooting
The incident occurred on the afternoon of July 18 in the parking lot of the Safeway at Northeast 70th Avenue and Sandy Boulevard. Police officers responding to the scene found Fitzsimmons dead outside a vehicle.
Investigators focused their attention on a white van, which was partially taped off as part of the crime scene.
One week later, police identified Fitzsimmons as the victim and Sarethi as the alleged shooter.
Conflicting Witness Accounts
Witnesses offered differing perspectives on what happened. One bystander told KGW they saw someone attempting to break into the van before hearing gunshots moments later. Another said they heard shots, saw someone running, and then watched a man collapse on the ground.
An affidavit of probable cause filed in late July described police interviews with two witnesses. One recalled hearing a man — later identified as Fitzsimmons — yell “no” and “don’t” before running toward the Safeway, followed by gunfire. The second witness said they heard gunshots, then saw Fitzsimmons running from the van while yelling in pain.
Sarethi’s Statement to Police
According to court documents, Sarethi called police after the shooting. They reported being in the back of their van when they heard the front door open. Believing someone was trying to steal the vehicle, Sarethi said they went to the front and opened fire after encountering Fitzsimmons inside.
Grand Jury Decision
The new filings released Friday did not provide further details about the grand jury’s deliberations or reasoning for its decision. With the “not true bill” returned, the state was unable to move forward, and Sarethi was cleared of the charges.
Unanswered Questions
While the dismissal closes the criminal case against Sarethi, it leaves unresolved questions about the exact circumstances of the confrontation in the Safeway parking lot that led to Fitzsimmons’ death.
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