Portland, Oregon — A tragic case out of Portland, Oregon, has resurfaced as prosecutors move forward against a teenager accused of opening fire on a rideshare vehicle, killing an Uber driver and seriously injuring a passenger. The incident, which occurred on June 4, 2024, is now drawing renewed attention after the suspect’s first court appearance this week.
According to officials in Multnomah County, the accused — now 18 years old — was just 16 at the time of the shooting. Prosecutors allege that the teen deliberately targeted two passengers inside the Uber, but the driver, 42-year-old Joshua Kelvin, was caught in the gunfire and died at the scene.
What Happened
Authorities say the suspect, along with another individual, planned what prosecutors described as an “ambush” on the two teenage passengers, who were 17 and 18 years old at the time. As the Uber vehicle was in transit, the suspect allegedly opened fire, shooting between 17 to 18 rounds into the car.
The violent attack left one passenger critically injured after being struck multiple times — reportedly seven or eight gunshot wounds — while the other managed to escape on foot without physical injury. Kelvin, who was simply doing his job as a rideshare driver, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation and Key Developments
During a recent court hearing, Deputy District Attorney Devin Franklin outlined the prosecution’s case, emphasizing that the driver was not the intended target but became a victim of the planned attack.
Prosecutors also revealed troubling additional details connected to the weapon used in the shooting. The same firearm was allegedly involved in another incident later that same month, where the uninjured passenger from the Uber attack was shot. While the suspect has not been directly charged in that particular shooting, officials indicated the gun has been linked to multiple violent events, including another injury case in January 2025.
The injured teenager from the original incident is still dealing with long-term physical and emotional effects nearly two years later, highlighting the lasting impact of the violence.
Charges and Court Proceedings
The suspect now faces a total of 10 serious charges, including:
- Second-degree murder
- Two counts of attempted murder
- Conspiracy to commit murder
- First- and second-degree assault
- Unlawful use of a weapon
- Attempt to commit a Class A felony
Because the accused was a minor at the time of the crime, the case is currently being handled in juvenile court.
In a significant development, the judge ordered the suspect to be taken into custody immediately following the hearing, despite him not being detained prior to appearing in court.
Community Impact and Ongoing Case
This case has raised renewed concerns about rideshare driver safety and the unpredictable risks faced by individuals working in public-facing roles. Kelvin’s death serves as a stark reminder of how quickly violence can impact innocent lives.
Authorities have not yet released details about the suspect’s next court appearance, and the case remains ongoing as prosecutors continue to build their argument.
Officials say more updates will be shared as the legal process moves forward.
