Jury Rules Sergeant Was Justified In Fatal Shooting

from The Oregonian

Clackamas County grand jury found Tuesday that a sheriff's sergeant was justified in fatally shooting a mentally ill woman wielding a knife.

The ruling cleared Clackamas County Sgt. Paul Steigleder II, 41, of possible wrongdoing in the Sept. 3 killing of Joyce Staudenmaier.

Jacquelyn Staudenmaier, the victim's sister, declined to comment.

The 49-year-old woman was shot in the chest in the lobby of her residence, Chez Ami Apartments, a complex for mentally ill people near Clackamas Town Center.

"I am pleased with the findings of the grand jury in this matter," said Sheriff Pat Detloff, who said his department will conduct its own review.

"The investigation we were involved with . . . showed that it was a justifiable shooting and there were no other options open to Sgt. Steigleder other than use of deadly physical force," he said.

Steigleder, who had been placed on paid administrative leave, can return to work as early as today, Detloff said.

Joyce Staudenmaier grew up in Lake Oswego and attended a performing arts college in San Diego. She battled schizophrenia for almost three decades.

She had been talking to herself and disturbing neighbors in the days before mental health workers called the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office for help, police had said.

Steigleder arrived at the apartment lobby about 10 a.m. and was told that Joyce Staudenmaier was not in the building but could have a weapon. He called for backup.

Before backup could arrive, Staudenmaier came to the lobby and lunged at Steigleder with a knife, police said at the time.

The sergeant tried to back away but could not escape. He then shot her once in the chest.

Meanwhile, Detloff said his agency, in its review, will assess whether there is a need for additional training for officers in dealing with the mentally ill.

A three- to four-member board is expected to convene within 30 days. Detloff said he expected the findings of the review to be made public.

The Oregon Advocacy Center, a Portland-based group that works for the rights of the disabled, has requested that the state Office of Investigations and Training review the shooting.

Bruce Jenness, OIT acting director, said the office does not investigate police but does review allegations of abuse and neglect of patients in the mental health system.

Jenness said it was undetermined whether his office would investigate.