PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Russell Ehrett moved into the top floor of the May Apartments in the Goose Hollow neighborhood in early 2023. But in May of that year, fire devastated the historic building and forced more than 100 people from their homes.
The fire was so intense the building had to be demolished. Now, more than 16 months later, a jury is deliberating whether Garrett Repp intentionally set fire to the apartment building where he lived.
KOIN Coverage: May Apartments Fire
During the trial, expert engineers testified that electrical issues weren’t the cause, eliminating several appliances.
Court documents revealed Repp faced eviction and owed thousands of dollars in back rent when the fire happened on May 16, 2023. The jury is currently deliberating his fate on charges of arson, reckless endangering and criminal mischief.
“It all could’ve been so very easily avoided, all the heartache and loss and tragedy,” said Ehrett, who lost cherished mementos of his late father in the blaze.
No one was hurt in the fire, but he feels the apartment company should have taken more action.
“In my opinion he never should been allowed to live there as long as he did, presenting such a clear and present danger to the residents,” Ehrett said of Repp.
He and other former residents said they were blocked from getting their belongings because the city deemed the site unsafe and restricted access.
But many residents reported looting, even with security at the site.
“Frustrating almost doesn’t cover it,” Ehrett said. “Insulting. Unbelievable. Disguting.”
Despite the loss, he has fond memories of the May Apartments — and he also found unexpected kindness and support from the community. That’s what he chooses to remember.
“That negative brought out all the positive from strangers and friends and it gave me a real insight into kindness and compassion that I wasn’t aware of before it happened,” he said.
Anthony Kustura
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