An Oregon man has admitted to fatally shooting a father who approached his vehicle after noticing a woman inside appeared distressed. Prosecutors say the victim was simply trying to make sure the woman was safe when the encounter turned deadly.
Defendant Pleads Guilty
Arvoni Hayes, 25, of Portland, pleaded guilty to:
- First-degree manslaughter
- Unlawful use of a weapon
The charges stem from the July 2024 shooting death of Aaron McInnis, 30, in northeast Portland.
As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dismissed the original second-degree murder charge.
Hayes is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 14, and prosecutors are reportedly seeking an 18-year prison sentence.
Victim Tried to Check on Crying Woman
According to court documents and witness statements cited by prosecutors, the incident began when Aaron McInnis noticed a woman crying while sitting inside a parked vehicle with Hayes near Normandale Park in northeast Portland.
McInnis had been dropping off a friend in the area and became concerned about the woman’s well-being.
Authorities said he approached the vehicle to check whether she was safe.
Disturbing Scene Inside the Vehicle
Court documents state that Hayes was completely naked inside the parked car and was referring to the woman using abusive language.
Concerned by what he saw, McInnis asked Hayes to get out of the vehicle so they could talk.
Instead of responding, Hayes drove away from the parking lot.
Shooting at Nearby Intersection
Police said Hayes stopped his vehicle at a nearby intersection.
As McInnis walked toward the stopped vehicle, Hayes allegedly got out while armed with a handgun.
Investigators say Hayes then opened fire.
According to court records, prosecutors alleged Hayes attempted to put “as many bullets” into McInnis as possible.
Witnesses reported hearing numerous gunshots during the attack.
One nearby resident told investigators they heard approximately 10 gunshots.
Victim Died at Hospital
McInnis was struck multiple times during the shooting.
Emergency responders transported him to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Hayes fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
Woman Reportedly Feared for Her Life
According to police, the woman who had been sitting inside Hayes’ vehicle later told investigators that she feared for her life while she was with him.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed what led to her fear or provided additional details about her relationship with Hayes.
Arrest Came Months Later
Following the shooting, investigators launched a search for Hayes.
Authorities eventually located and arrested him several months later.
He was initially charged with:
- Second-degree murder
- Unlawful use of a weapon
- Possession of a loaded firearm in a public place
The murder charge was later dropped under the negotiated plea agreement.
Family Remembers Aaron McInnis
Following McInnis’ death, loved ones created a GoFundMe campaign to support his family.
The fundraiser described his death as the result of a violent and senseless crime that left his family devastated.
According to the campaign, McInnis is survived by his 10-year-old son, Blake, who has been especially affected by the loss of his father.
Loved Ones Describe Caring Father
Family members said McInnis worked as a sales representative for a company in the Portland area.
They remembered him as a devoted father, son, brother, and loyal friend.
According to the fundraiser, McInnis was known for his generous nature, willingness to help others, and kind personality.
His loved ones said he consistently supported those around him and left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
Sentencing Scheduled
Hayes will return to court on Aug. 14 for sentencing.
Prosecutors are requesting that he receive an 18-year prison sentence for the fatal shooting of Aaron McInnis, whose attempt to check on a woman he believed might be in danger ended in tragedy.
