PORTLAND, Ore. – Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that Garrett Bergquist received a 7-year sentence and three years parole for fatally striking a 11 year old boy while under the influence in early 2020.
Bergquist, 27, was driving his usual route to work the morning in the area of SE 5th and SE Hogan in Gresham. Luis Medina-Estrada, a 6th grader enrolled in a school blocks away from the intersection was on his way to class when Bergquist ran a red light and fatally struck him. Witnesses described that Bergquist was speeding at the time, with estimated miles per hour ranging from 40 – 70mph. Another vehicle in the vicinity honked their horn and attempted to get the child’s attention as events unfolded.
After the impact, Bergquist exited his vehicle, phone in hand and walked the 30 feet behind him to the child’s body. He did this approximately three times. Further investigation concluded that Bergquist was under the influence of narcotics at the time of the incident.
Bergquist was arraigned at the Multnomah County Justice Center the next day. He was charged with first-degree manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter, driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless driving in the death of Luis Medina, 11, in Gresham. Today, he was sentenced to 7 years in prison based on these charges with an additional three years of parole and a lifetime revocation of his driving privileges.
Medina-Estrada’s mother addressed the court with a victim impact statement before thanking the court and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office for their efforts to bring her family justice. She stated, “Every day one of my children asks me why is their brother is not here. I as a mother have to answer. It is a very difficult thing. The punishment is never enough when the child is taken away.” The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office thanks the Gresham Police, the Oregon State Troopers and the community for working to bring the Medina-Estrada family justice in the wake of this tragedy.