Portland Woman Found Guilty Except for Insanity in Murder, Attempted Murder Case

PORTLAND, Ore. (Nov 15, 2025) — A Multnomah County judge on Nov. 12 ordered lifelong oversight and a lengthy prison term for a Portland woman who shot and killed her younger brother and wounded two relatives in 2019, a case that reverberated through Portland State University and the broader community.

Judge Nan Waller announced the judgment for Tamena Jaceeta Strickland, 37, who was found guilty except for insanity of second-degree murder and guilty of two counts of second-degree attempted murder on Oct. 24 following a stipulated-facts trial and a change of plea.

Under the sentence, Strickland will remain under the authority of the Psychiatric State Review Board for life while simultaneously serving 22 years in prison. If the review board determines at any point during that sentence that she is mentally stable enough to leave a hospital setting, she will complete the remainder of her custodial term in an Oregon Department of Corrections facility.

Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Melissa Marrero, who prosecuted the case, said after sentencing:

“Our hearts remain with Deante’s family, his friends and the broader Portland State University and Central Catholic High School communities. Deante was more than an athlete–he was a bright and promising young man whose life was tragically taken far too early. He was loved by all that knew him, and his loss continues to be deeply felt across our community.

This resolution reflects a careful balance of accountability, public safety and a clear acknowledgment of the devastating role that mental illness played in this case. The court’s judgment ensures that the defendant is held accountable under the law, while also providing a path for necessary mental health treatment in a controlled, secure environment. This dual approach is critical: it protects the community, honors the victims and acknowledges the complexity and human reality of the circumstances that led to this tragedy.”

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office also thanked the Portland Police Bureau for what it described as thorough investigative work.

The Case

On Aug. 2, 2019, Strickland shot and killed her brother, 22-year-old Deante Strickland, a standout Portland State University basketball and football player. She also shot and wounded her grandmother, Shirley Strickland, and her aunt, also named Shirley Strickland, before briefly fleeing. She later turned herself in to Portland police that evening alongside her attorney. Investigators recovered the firearm and related evidence.

The killing sent shockwaves throughout PSU, Central Catholic High School and the Portland community. Deante Strickland was remembered as hardworking, humble and widely beloved. His death prompted vigils, tributes and memorials from teammates, coaches, friends and family, and PSU honored him in the months that followed. His family has spoken publicly about the enduring pain of the loss.

Authorities remark this judgment brings a complex and years-long case to a close while ensuring Strickland receives both mental health treatment and accountability under Oregon law.