A 23-year-old man from Oregon has been sentenced to two decades in prison after he shot and killed his wife of only a few weeks. Talon Gabriel Mitchell, who was 19 years old at the time of the killing, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and unlawful use of a weapon in connection with the 2023 death of Oulaykham Mona Chopheng.
Mitchell Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison
Washington County Circuit Judge Theodore Sims handed down the sentence last week, ordering Mitchell to serve 20 years in a state correctional facility. Mitchell will be required to serve the first 10 years in full, but he may be eligible for parole after that period for good behavior.
The Tragic Incident and Emergency Call
The tragic event occurred on February 23, 2023, when Beaverton Police Department officers responded to a welfare check request at an apartment complex in Beaverton, Oregon. The neighbor had reported hearing a woman crying and screaming for help around 10:15 p.m. Upon entering the apartment, officers found Chopheng dead on the couch from a gunshot wound to the face. Mitchell was found nearby with visible blood on his shoes and was promptly taken into custody.
Mitchell’s Bizarre Texts and Confession
After the shooting, Mitchell contacted emergency services himself and sent a series of strange messages, claiming he was “stuck in a dream” and “being controlled.” He also sent messages such as “Help me” and “Insanity.” Investigators later learned that Mitchell had taken LSD earlier in the day, which he claimed contributed to his confusion during the incident. He told authorities he had no memory of firing the gun, and upon waking up later, believed he was trapped in a bad dream or zombie apocalypse when he saw his wife’s body.
Neighbor Witness Accounts
Witnesses helped piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Neighbors reported hearing a woman sobbing and a man speaking in short, sharp sentences shortly before police arrived. These details provided crucial context for investigators as they worked to understand the chaotic moments before the authorities’ arrival.
Mitchell’s Legal Plea and Trial Details
Before reaching a plea deal with prosecutors, Mitchell had been set to stand trial on March 31. However, he ultimately pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter with a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon. This plea resulted in the 20-year sentence handed down by the court.
