A deaf man was killed when he was punched in the head by a man at an East Portland deli, according to court documents. The detective on the case reported that Aaron Jones, the suspect, is also the subject of a shooting that happened March 28, 2023 where several rounds were fired at a vehicle. For the deadly punch, Jones was charged with first degree manslaughter, second degree manslaughter, negligent homicide, second degree assault, felon in possession of a firearm, and drug possession.
Portland Police officers said they responded to a 911 call at Max Mart Deli at 12128 Burnside Street. Paramedics were already on scene taking 62-year-old Curtis Davies to the hospital with life threatening injuries. A camera was at the area. Police reviewed security footage from the store which captured the incident. Aaron Reed-Jones, 35, is seen entering the store. He walked up to the counter to make a purchase. The victim, Davies, approached the counter and tried to communicate with Jones. It is reported in the court documents that Jones said “Don’t touch me again.” Davies proceeded to tap Jones on the shoulder again and put his middle finger in Jones’ face.
The violent act took place. Jones turned and punched Davies three times in the head, with the third punch causing Davies to fall down onto the floor on his back. Later Davies had two surgeries on his brain to relieve the swelling but he died in the hospital on March 23. The detective reported that the medical examiner, Dr. Sean Hurst, stated the cause of death was subdural hematoma due to blunt force trauma and the manner of death was homicide.
The detective applied for and was granted a search and arrest warrant for the defendant. The detective reported that when Jones was arrested he had a black handgun in his jacket pocket. He was also reported to have had a pouch in his pants that contained baggies with about 25 grams of methamphetamine.
Jones said he was trying to buy cigarettes, according to the court documents, but Davies tapped him three to four times and gave him thumbs up. Jones told the detective he hit the man once in the chin after repeatedly telling Davies not to touch him. Jones was booked into jail and being held without bond.
