PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Portland-area man convicted of killing two people during a drug-related shooting in Milwaukie has been sentenced to life in prison.
Life Sentence for Kaythan Tenry
On Friday, 22-year-old Kaythan Tenry pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder for his role in the deadly shooting that took place in October 2022. As part of a plea deal, several additional charges against him were dismissed.
Tenry’s sentencing comes months after his co-defendant, Frank Nifon, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for his involvement in the same crime.
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Deadly Shooting in Milwaukie
The incident occurred on October 12, 2022, at a 7-Eleven convenience store located on Southeast Lake Road in Milwaukie. According to investigators, Tenry and Nifon met with Jamahl Nash and Stanafurd Blacknall around 1:30 a.m.
What began as a conversation quickly escalated to gunfire.
“The car stopped and Blacknall spoke with Nifon. About a minute later, the vehicle pulled away and Nifon began walking toward the convenience store. As the vehicle drove past Tenry, he began firing into the driver’s side and rear of the vehicle,” the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office explained.
Upon hearing the shots, Nifon joined in, approaching the passenger side of the vehicle and firing additional rounds as the car sped out of the lot.
Victims Killed After Crash
The victims’ vehicle, riddled with bullets, crashed into a fire hydrant near Southeast 122nd Avenue and Highway 212 shortly after the shooting.
Inside the car, police discovered Nash and Blacknall dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators reported that the vehicle had been hit at least 15 times, with bullets striking all four sides.
Evidence Captured on Camera
Surveillance footage from a nearby apartment complex captured both muzzle flashes from the gunfire and images of Tenry and Nifon at the scene.
This video evidence became crucial in piecing together the timeline of events and identifying the suspects.
Arrest and Hospital Discovery
Two days after the fatal shooting, authorities located both Tenry and Nifon at Kaiser Sunnyside Hospital on Southeast Sunnyside Road. A Clackamas County deputy made the discovery, which ultimately led to their arrests.
Motive Tied to Drug Deal
Officials later revealed that the shooting was tied to a drug deal gone wrong. Prosecutors did not disclose further details about the substance or transaction but said the violent outcome reflected the high-risk nature of such encounters.
Closing the Case
With Tenry’s life sentence and Nifon already serving 25 years, prosecutors say the case is now closed, though the loss for the victims’ families remains profound.
“This was a senseless act of violence that ended two lives and devastated families,” the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office said following the sentencing.
