Alleged killer's trial to begin in 2017 Xpose shooting

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- More than seven years ago, Ramon Harris was shot and killed outside Xpose adult entertainment club in Beaverton. Authorities said at the time the shooting appeared to have been a targeted incident.

More than two years ago, the United States Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force took Jimmy Pierce into custody in Southeast Portland in connection with the 2017 murder of Harris, who was 36 at the time of his death.

Now, on Tuesday, Pierce will stand trial in Washington County for murder and attempted murder. Jury selection is expected to begin this week, with opening statements slated for December 10.

The timeline

Ramon Harris was reportedly part of a large group that had traveled to Xpose after leaving a club in Portland on May 19, 2017. Deputies said he was shot shortly after arriving at the Beaverton venue.

The case remained open over the years and on April 22, 2022, the Washington County Sheriff's Office said the case was presented to a grand jury and an indictment was issued — along with a felony warrant for Pierce’s arrest. The warrant was for charges including second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm.

Then on November 29, 2023, another grand jury indicted Pierce for the attempted first-degree murder of Robert Nelson at the same time Harris was killed "in the course of the same criminal episode," court documents obtained by KOIN 6 News show.

At the time of the shooting, detectives told KOIN 6 News they believed there was only one shooter, but had not been able to confirm if he received help getting away in the initial phase of the investigation.

“We don’t know if they were able to get into a car and flee,” Washington County Sgt. Vance Stimler said at that time. “They initially fled on foot.”

KOIN 6 News will have more information as the trial progresses.