Husband sentenced for wife's 2023 murder outside of apartment near Reed College
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A man who was found guilty for the shooting death of his wife outside of an apartment near Reed College in 2023 was sentenced to prison on Thursday, Multnomah County District Attorney's office announced.
Officials said 30-year-old Adam Jamal Burns was sentenced to 23 years in prison for the death of 28-year-old April Newcombe-Cripe, following his guilty plea in August.
The shooting happened just before 11:30 p.m. outside of a unit at Wimbledon Square Apartments on Southeast 30th Avenue where Newcombe-Cripe lived with their two young children. Police say her children were found safe inside the apartment.
Burns fled the scene before police arrived, but was later arrested by U.S. Marshals and Vancouver police in May 2023 on second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon charges.
Officials said Newcombe-Cripe previously expressed concerns about Burns killing her or having her killed, noting he was seen in his vehicle around the apartments in the days leading up to her murder.
Surveillance video also showed a vehicle matching one owned by Burns in the apartment complex minutes before police were called and the gun used in the shooting was found and linked to Burns, authorities said.
If you or someone you know is seeking help, below is a list of local and national domestic violence resources:
- YWCA Clark County (Safe Choice) in Vancouver, WA
- Domestic Violence Help in Vancouver, WA 24-HR Hotline: 360-695-0501
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
- Multnomah County – Resources for Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence and Trafficking