Oregon Man Sentenced for Killing Stranger Who Embarrassed Him

Cresencio Flores pleaded guilty to manslaughter after shooting Jacob Forrest 9 times in the back as he walked away.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Cresencio Flores, 27, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of 45-year-old Jacob Forrest in Portland, Oregon in July 2024. Flores claimed he acted in self-defense after Forrest, whom he had never met before, slapped him in the face while carrying a fake gun. As Forrest walked away, Flores took out his real gun and shot Forrest nine times.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of escalating confrontations and the tragic consequences that can result from the use of disproportionate force, even in situations where someone feels embarrassed or disrespected. It also raises questions about self-defense laws and how they are applied in cases involving the use of firearms.

The details

According to court documents, the incident occurred on July 28, 2024, when Flores was outside an apartment building in Portland, smoking with his friends. Surveillance cameras captured Forrest and three of his friends getting out of a car nearby. Forrest was seen carrying a realistic-looking fake gun, which he tucked into his waistband. Forrest and Flores exchanged words, and at some point, Forrest slapped Flores on the cheek and tossed his bike into the street. As Forrest was walking away, Flores stood up and aimed his real gun at Forrest, firing nine times. Forrest was dead when police arrived.

  • The incident occurred on July 28, 2024.
  • Flores was arrested two months later.

The players

Cresencio Flores

A 27-year-old man who pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of Jacob Forrest.

Jacob Forrest

A 45-year-old man who was shot and killed by Cresencio Flores.

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What they’re saying

“The deal was fair”

— Ryan Solomon, Prosecutor (The Oregonian)

What’s next

The judge sentenced Flores to 10 years in prison for first-degree manslaughter.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for de-escalation and conflict resolution skills, as well as the importance of proportionate use of force, even in situations where someone feels embarrassed or disrespected. It also underscores the complexities of self-defense laws and how they are applied in cases involving firearms.