Date Set for Manslaughter Retrial of Ian Cranston After Conviction Overturned

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A Deschutes County judge has scheduled a 10-day jury trial for Ian Cranston, whose manslaughter conviction in the 2021 shooting death of Barry Washington Jr. was overturned on appeal. Cranston, who was previously convicted of first- and second-degree manslaughter, will face a retrial starting on October 20 after posting bail earlier this month.

Why it matters

The case has sparked ongoing debates around self-defense laws and the use of deadly force, with the appeals court ruling that the trial judge erred in not providing a key jury instruction sought by Cranston's defense. The retrial will re-examine the circumstances surrounding Washington's death and Cranston's claim of acting in self-defense.

The details

In 2021, a jury acquitted Cranston, now 31, of second-degree murder but convicted him of first- and second-degree manslaughter for shooting 22-year-old Barry Washington Jr. outside a Bend nightclub. Cranston claimed he acted in self-defense after being punched by Washington. However, the Oregon Court of Appeals later reversed and remanded the case, ruling that the trial judge should have given the jury an instruction that state law does not require a person to retreat before using deadly force in self-defense.

• On October 20, 2026, a 10-day jury trial for Ian Cranston's retrial is scheduled to begin.
• On August 17, 2026, a motion hearing will be held ahead of the retrial.
• On September 21, 2026, a trial readiness hearing will take place before the October retrial.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on August 17 whether to allow certain evidence or arguments to be presented during the October retrial.