Barbara Michelle: Portland bartender found guilty of shooting boyfriend amid alcohol-fueled dispute outside tavern
PORTLAND, OREGAN: In November 2022, Barbara Michelle, now 44, fatally shot Justin Williams, 41, following an intense Thanksgiving-related argument outside a tavern. In the grip of alcohol, their intense discussion grew more heated.
Michelle was convicted of first-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault, and unlawful use of a weapon by the jury. During the trial, Michelle provided insights into their quarrel and the reasons behind their mutual irritation.
While she is set to be sentenced for the murder, the prison term could be at least 10 years.
What happened between Barbara Michelle and Justin Williams?
After Barbara Michelle shot Justin Williams, the victim succumbed to his injuries two days later at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. Michelle was promptly arrested upon police arrival and later appeared in Multnomah County Circuit Court for arraignment.
Despite Michelle asserting that she acted in self-defense, the jury deemed it implausible. They found her guilty on charges of first-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and driving under the influence of intoxicants. Sentencing is scheduled for early next week.
Michelle argued that Williams became upset when she didn't answer her phone when he arrived at a bar where she was waiting for him after her shift. However, surveillance footage contradicted this, showing the couple happily drinking. They then proceeded to the Bluebird Tavern, where Williams was a regular patron, to continue their evening.
In court, Michelle recounted that they engaged in a dispute about the significance of Thanksgiving. Attorneys highlighted a difference in opinion, as Michelle did not observe the holiday, while Williams did.
Michelle asserted her attempts to de-escalate the situation, stating, "He kept poking at me. He was being rude. So rude. He just kept standing over me," per Daily Mail.
What happened at the crime scene?
In the footage captured at the crime scene, Michelle was seen leaning towards Williams, gesturing emphatically, while he remained passive in a corner.
During her arrest, a witness reported that Williams and Michelle were asked to leave the bar due to their loud argument and apparent intoxication.
Prosecutors highlighted Michelle's ominous parting words as she left the tavern: "I'm going to kill him."
While Michelle claimed it was meant as "exasperated humor" with the bartender, Deputy District Attorney Melissa Marrero argued, "Such jokes don't turn out to be funny when a man ends up dead."
Camera footage revealed the couple physically shoving each other. Two bystanders informed the police that the argument persisted after they left the tavern, leading Michelle to retrieve a revolver from her purse, threatening to "blow his head off."
In her defense, attorney Joshua McCain asserted that Michelle, while holding the gun, warned Williams to stay away.
However, he continued to approach her, prompting Michelle to fire a warning shot into the ground. Despite this, he persisted, and Michelle shot him in the chest, with the bullet lodging in his spine.
Marrero contended, "You don't get to shoot somebody because they pushed you. She brought a gun to a shoving match."
Michelle faces a potential prison sentence of at least 10 years, with the court decision expected next week as per Daily Mail.
