PORTLAND, Ore.—On June 22, 2026, a Multnomah County judge sentenced Richard Epton, aged 62, to ten years in prison after he was convicted of first-degree manslaughter and driving under the influence (DUII) following a fatal hit-and-run crash that took place on September 18, 2024. The incident occurred around 2:15 a.m., when Epton struck Victoria Jacob-Springer, who was sitting in the middle of Northeast Fremont Street near NE 85th Avenue.
According to prosecutors from the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, video surveillance footage revealed that Epton had been drinking at Korner Pocket Bar until approximately 1:45 a.m. on September 17-18, 2024. The investigation further showed that after hitting Jacob-Springer, Epton stopped his Ford F-250 pickup truck for about ten seconds before driving away from the scene.
Deputy District Attorney Andrew Wood emphasized during sentencing proceedings that this case underscores the severe consequences of drunk driving and hit-and-run incidents. He stated, “This was a tragedy for all parties involved. I hope that today’s result provides some sense of justice for Ms. Jacob-Springer's family.”
Judge Eric Dahlin handed down the ten-year sentence after Epton was found guilty by a Multnomah County jury on June 9, 2026. The conviction also included charges related to failure to perform duties as a driver following an accident involving injured persons.
The Portland Police Bureau and Gresham Police Department collaborated in investigating this case alongside the district attorney’s office. Victim Advocate Kelly Eoff was acknowledged for her support of Jacob-Springer's family throughout the legal process.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding drunk driving fatalities, with prosecutors emphasizing that it is not only a danger to drivers but also pedestrians and others on the roadways late at night or early morning hours.