David Baynes: Convicted felon sentenced to 25 years to life for fatally shooting GF's ex in fit of jealousy
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
WASHINGTON, OREGON: An Oregon resident, David Anthony Baynes, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 25 years on Thursday, April 25.
He was found guilty of murder in the second degree and unlawful use of a weapon in the death of his then-girlfriend's ex-partner, Adam Woodall, by a Washington County jury on March 7.
The Washington County District Attorney's Office revealed that Baynes' actions were driven by jealousy, sparked by his girlfriend maintaining communication with her ex.
He was previously convicted of manslaughter in 2008.
David Anthony Baynes shot Adam Woodall 15 times killing him within minutes
On September 18, 2022, Baynes fatally shot Woodall, the former partner of his girlfriend, in an "unprovoked attack."
While leaving his girlfriend's Forest Grove residence, Baynes saw the victim arriving in a minivan. Without cause, he positioned his truck beside Woodall's vehicle and shot him 15 times with a handgun.
"Each bullet entered the victim’s body, and he died within minutes," noted the DA's office.
Following the incident, Baynes fled the scene, abandoning the firearm before seeking refuge in a remote area of Yamhill County. Employing a tarp to conceal his truck, he factory-reset his phone to evade law enforcement and spent the night hiding among blackberry bushes.
Nevertheless, the following day, a deputy from the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office got hold of him.
David Anthony Baynes claimed self-defense in the shooting of Adam Woodall
After his arrest, Baynes asserted that the victim was armed and claimed self-defense, despite being prohibited from possessing a handgun due to his felon status. He admitted his awareness of the illegality and culpability of his actions.
Subsequent investigation confirmed Woodall had no weapons on him. The firearm used in the shooting was later discovered by the Washington County Search and Rescue Team.
Baynes also received five years for the felon in possession of a firearm conviction. His sentences will run consecutively.
