Multnomah County Judge Richard C. Baldwin ruled Thursday that Parrish Bennette Jr. remain held without bail on murder and manslaughter charges in the alleged killing of 14-year-old Yashanee Vaughn, who has been missing since March 14.
The hearing had resumed on Thursday, July 7, after a full day of testimony on June 24.
Prosecutor Brian Davidson said Bennette, 16, told his father he shot Vaughn on accident, before he got rid of her body. Evidence, however, has led stakeholders to believe her death was not an accident.
Blood splatter evidence found within Bennette’s room suggested Vaughn had been likely struck or beaten before she was shot and killed, which Davidson argued counter’s Bennette’s statement that her death was an accident.
Although the family of Yashanee Vaughn said they are happy he has been denied bail, they said the search will continue to find Yashanee’s missing body, so they can bring her home.
The family wishes to thank the District Attorney’s office, Judge Baldwin, Portland Police, the City of Portland, the media, and all of Yashanee’s friends who stood with them at the trial to have a strong presence and voice against the person believed to have killed Yashanee.
Portland Police said the investigation is ongoing to find Vaugn’s body, and they urge anyone with further information to call Crime Stoppers at 503-823-HELP.
