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Portland Jury Acquits Man in Racially Charged Stabbing

12/8/2025

Summary

Story summary

A Portland jury acquitted Gary Edwards, a 43-year-old black man, of second-degree assault for stabbing Gregory Howard Jr., a 43-year-old white man, on July 7.
Edwards claimed self-defense, saying Howard used racial slurs.
Video shows Edwards approaching Howard with a knife, then a scuffle before the stabbing.
Prosecutors argued Edwards instigated confrontation, while his defense cited Howard's use of the N-word.
Howard's prior convictions include felony rape of a child.

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Story summary

A Portland jury acquitted Gary Edwards, a 43-year-old black man, of second-degree assault for stabbing Gregory Howard Jr., a 43-year-old white man, on July 7.
Edwards claimed self-defense, saying Howard used racial slurs.
Video shows Edwards approaching Howard with a knife, then a scuffle before the stabbing.
Prosecutors argued Edwards instigated confrontation, while his defense cited Howard's use of the N-word.
Howard's prior convictions include felony rape of a child.