Jury Clears Man in Gresham Bar Brawl Death

Richard Henderson found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the unexpected death of David M. Lomas.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A Multnomah County jury has found Richard Henderson not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the unexpected death of David M. Lomas following a bar brawl in Gresham, Oregon. The jury determined that Lomas' death was not caused by injuries sustained during the fight, but rather by other factors unrelated to the altercation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities involved in determining the cause of death, especially when there are conflicting medical findings and evidence. It also raises questions about when physical altercations can be considered criminally negligent versus tragic accidents.

The details

Henderson and Lomas, who knew each other through a drug connection, got into a physical altercation outside the Platinum Pub in Gresham. Surveillance video showed Henderson on top of Lomas in a 'bear hug' during the fight. Prosecutors argued that Henderson fractured three of Lomas' ribs, causing a collapsed lung that led to his death. However, the defense pointed to vomit in Lomas' airway and the lack of internal bleeding as evidence that Lomas had already died before the lung was punctured, likely due to unrelated factors. The medical examiner's report was also disputed, with the defense arguing the rib fractures were caused by the forceful CPR techniques used by first responders.

  • The incident occurred on November 6, 2025.
  • Henderson was arrested a week later on a charge of criminally negligent homicide.
  • The Multnomah County jury delivered their verdict on March 4, 2026.

The players

Richard Henderson

A 35-year-old Portland man who was charged with criminally negligent homicide in the death of David M. Lomas following a bar brawl.

David M. Lomas

A 35-year-old man who died unexpectedly after the bar brawl with Henderson, though the jury found his death was not caused by injuries sustained during the fight.

Daniel Small

The defense attorney who represented Henderson and argued that Lomas' death was unrelated to the injuries from the fight.

Madeline Loeb

The prosecutor who argued that Henderson's actions during the fight caused the injuries that led to Lomas' death.

Rebecca Millius

The deputy state medical examiner whose findings were disputed by the defense in the case.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Lomas' death was tragic and shocking, but it was not the result of criminal negligence.”

— Daniel Small, Defense Attorney

“Mr. Henderson hit Mr. Lomas hard enough to break ribs. He acted out of anger with the goal of causing harm.”

— Madeline Loeb, Prosecutor

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities involved in determining the cause of death and the challenges prosecutors face in proving criminal negligence, even when there is physical altercation involved. It underscores the importance of thorough medical examinations and the need to carefully weigh all evidence when making such determinations.