A Portland man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter after shooting and killing a local father who stopped to check on a woman he noticed crying inside a parked car. Aaron McInnis, 30, lost his life that night simply because he was concerned about a stranger’s safety.
What Happened That Night
In July 2024, McInnis was dropping off a friend near Normandale Park in Northeast Portland when he spotted a woman visibly crying inside a parked vehicle. Worried about her safety, he approached the car to check on her.
Inside the vehicle, Arvoni Hayes, 25, was sitting completely naked, according to court documents. When McInnis asked Hayes to step outside to talk, Hayes drove away instead.
The Shooting
Hayes stopped at a nearby intersection. As McInnis walked toward the car, Hayes stepped out and opened fire — striking McInnis multiple times. Witnesses reported hearing roughly 10 gunshots.
According to court documents, Hayes attempted to put “as many bullets into Aaron as possible.”
McInnis was transported to a local hospital where he later died.
The Arrest and Plea
Hayes fled the scene and was not located until months later. He was originally charged with second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and possession of a loaded firearm in public.
This week, Hayes pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and unlawful use of a weapon as part of a plea deal. The murder charge was dropped. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 14, with prosecutors seeking 18 years.
A Father Remembered
McInnis leaves behind a 10-year-old son named Blake. Friends and family described him as someone with “a heart of gold” who never stopped supporting those in need. A GoFundMe was created to support his family following his death.