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Woman gets 2 years in shooting

Crime and Justice | Sat, 11/07/2009 - 9:13 am | Read 3931 | Commented 15 | Emailed 0

Traci Remington

At the conclusion of her two-day sentencing hearing in Yamhill County Circuit Court, Traci Remington told Judge Cal Tichenor that everything spiraled out of control one day in early October 2008, and it led her to fire a round from a Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun at her husband during an argument.

"I should have taken the beating that was coming to me instead of firing that weapon," she said. "I should have."

Her daughter, Sabrina, seated next to her father, sobbed as she listened to her mother address the court.

Tichenor sentenced Remington to two years in prison and two years of post-prison supervision. She will be eligible for the state's Alternative to Incarceration Program, which reduces sentences for inmates willing to undergo drug and alcohol treatment.

"She is amenable to treatment," said court-appointed defense attorney Charles Lisle of McMinnville. "Treatment will be more effective than prison time."

A jury convicted Remington of two counts of recklessly endangering another person and one count each of menacing, pointing a firearm at another person and unlawful use of a weapon. It acquitted her on one count of attempted first-degree assault.

Deputy District Attorney Ladd Wiles noted the three-day trial featured repeated outbursts by Remington, causing Tichenor to admonish her.

Lisle countered by saying, "She's been on suicide watch. This has been devastating to her."

Wiles argued for a five-year prison term, Lisle for a period of probation without any prison time.

Tichenor said five years would be an appropriate sentence in a case producing like convictions, but he wasn't sure it was an appropriate sentence in this particular case. He opted for two years with a treatment provision that could serve to shorten it.

Remington, 39, and her husband, Greg, 53, own McMinnville Auto Wreckers. At the time, they were living on the property, just south of city limits on Highway 99W.

The bullet fired by Remington traveled through the sheetrock and siding of the couple's home, crossed the highway and penetrated the Ore-Land Industries machine shop, according to sheriff's deputies.

Her husband was not hit. Neither were two Ore-Land employees in the shop at the time.

The employees said the bullet went through the front wall about chest high, tore through a coffee maker, ricocheted off another appliance, struck a wall and fell to the floor. It was later recovered.

The sheriff's office gave this account:

Remington called 911 and told a Yamhill Communications Agency dispatcher she had just fired a shot toward her husband during an argument. The dispatcher told her to unload the gun, leave it on a desk and walk outside.

Deputies arrived at the wrecking yard and took her into custody.

They entered the residence, looking for her husband, but he had left. He later returned and underwent questioning.

As the argument escalated, Greg Remington said, he raised his hands into the air. He said his wife responded by pulling the handgun from her waistband.

She held the gun up, pointed it at him and told him to get away from her. She fired one round in his direction as he dove out of the way.

She told she was only trying to scare him.

She was lodged in the Yamhill County Jail on $20,000 bail following her arrest. However, she was bailed out two days later.

Greg Remington defended her vociferously at the sentencing hearing.

"I'm not the victim," he said. "Traci's the victim. I pushed her to do what she did. She did what any woman in America has a right to do.

"She's been homeless the past year. She's been living couch-to-couch. Put her on probation. Make her do community service. Anything but prison."

He hinted she was a victim of domestic violence and thus didn't deserve prison.

"This is my fault," he said. "She had a right to do it. It's not right that we're even here."

Sabrina Remington said she needs her mom in her life. She's a good person who doesn't deserve prison, Sabrina said.

Two aunts also offered support.

Lisle introduce a report compiled by Dr. Norvin Cooley, a clinical psychologist from Oregon City.

In Cooley's opinion, she acted under duress, a delusional disorder and diminished mental capacity. He concluded she did not have a clear grasp of reality at the time.

"She believed he was involved in a pornographic ring," Lisle said, referring to her husband. "She felt she was in danger."

Lisle characterized Greg Remington as the aggressor. "His hands are not clean," the defense attorney said.

"She's not a hardened criminal," Lisle said. "The six charges amount to one reckless act over a period of one minute."

Print | Email Updated 42 weeks 5 days ago

Comments (15)

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Mon, 11/23/2009 - 11:55pm - Posted by: CriticalDiva

Another failed family.
When is this county going to support our women???
*Shaking head in disgust*
Traci & Sabrina, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
~CRITICAL~

Mon, 11/16/2009 - 6:05pm - Posted by: zuruduckydoo

I cannot speak to the appropriateness of the sentence without second-guessing the judge or jury. I was not in the courtroom, did not hear the entire testimony, and as such can only say I hope that those of you who are quick to condem either of the two (Greg or Tracy) and demand a lesser or a stiffer sentence (or a sentence for Greg in the first place), were actually there and can base your opinions on fact.

There was an incident, laws were broken, and there are punishments for those broken laws. "Why" only becomes relevant if it becomes part of the case. Tracy did not call the authorities and claim abuse; that does not mean she was not abused. Greg did not turn himself in for abuse, that does not mean he was not abusive. Those things are not part of the case. However, Tracy did turn herself in for firing a weapon, and I think that it is appropriate that the charges reflect THAT particular action, not the pre-meditation or excuse thereof. The sentencing is something that follows the charges. We can hope that it is appropriate, we can support the people who are victims, and we can support the perpetrators. Everyone deserves compassion and understanding, and when we point our fingers, four more are pointing back at us. Most of you took a side, and that is of course your prerogative. However, I think that the "if only" game should be left out of the mix.

Specifically to manup1111, who seems to be the champion for the "hang 'em all" faction, the bottom line is, no one was hurt. Yes it was incredibly fortunate that everyone is unharmed, and yes, it could have been a tragedy. But it wasn't. Did she mean to hurt someone? No. I can assure you that had she meant to shoot Greg, he would have been shot. Anyone who is licensed to carry a weapon is unlikely to miss at that close range. Drive-by shootings, on the other hand, are meant to kill, and if the victim is not the intended one, they come back. It doesn't really matter to them. The crimes that were ACTUALLY committed were the ones under which Tracy was tried and sentenced, and I think that is the way it is supposed to work. You note that attempted murder was NOT a charge.

Tracy and Greg apparently were living in a situation that was not what many would term functional. Many of their family are miles away in another state and not easily able to intercede on her behalf, nor offer them the close personal moral support which may have helped. I would hope that those of you in a position to do so would offer your support in their stead.

And furthermore, maybe McMinnville should lay off the daughter. This is my soapbox and manup's response really struck a nerve. She is a loving, caring young woman struggling to deal with the loss of a family, the condemnation of a community, and people who dare to judge her based on her emotional defense of her parents. You cannot possibly understand what she is going through unless you have been there. I am surprised she was not more "vociferous" and her relatively mild response did not deserve a rebuke or put-downs from anyone. She could probably use a little help right now, anyone in the community willing to do that for my niece, since I am not there to do it?

I love you Sabrina

Sat, 11/14/2009 - 12:11am - Posted by: Simondale88

She seems so tired....

regards,

Tue, 11/10/2009 - 4:41pm - Posted by: manup1111

S.Dickey
It seems many people are missing the point and as far as I am concerned I believe that the court may have missed it too. This woman picked up a firearm and shot to hurt another person. Does it matter if her husband drove her to do it? Maybe.

But like I said LAST YEAR when this came out- what if that bullet that bounced around the company before killing the coffe pot actually went in to another innocent bystander? People get so mad about drive by shootings because innocent children and people are more oftern killed instead of the intended target, how is this different?

How many of you would feel differently if this woman's bullet found you or your child?
What IF that bullet cleaved its way through the air and puntcured an innocent's body, causing bleeding, organ failure, permant scarring, or death. Don't forget about financial damages from lost wages, hospital bills, and possible long term inabilities caused by bullet damages. Or the familiy damages- what if it cleaved the air and hit a kid in the head? Many families that face a childs death seperate because of the mental toll it takes.

She brought a weapon to the table- she could have called the cops or left if she was being abused- our tax money and private donations PAY for her to have an outlet if she was truley being abused- she fired a round, and she very well could have killed someone.

Now our tax money will be used to get her drug treatment- shouldn't be on drugs to begin with! How about anger management classes? How to raise your self esteem classes? Target shooting classes--- sorry, couldn't resist.

I think they should throw the book at her before her aim gets better and she actually hits someone next time.

As for the husband, if he truley beat her- well you suck. Maybe you should have left her if you hate her enough to raise a hand to her, oh but that's part of the sickness is'nt it? No sympathy you deserve each other.

As for the daughter who wrote in, maybe you forgot our freedoms. We have a right to speak whats on our minds- if you don't like it- it is YOUR right NOT TO READ IT. Instead of fostering anger towards the community for being angry at your parents actions maybe you should focus on your parents for putting a community in this position as well as yourself, unfortunately after reading your post I don't believe you are capable of realizing what your parents have caused- and it is easier for you to tell people to "kiss your butt" then it is for you to come to terms with reality and put the blame where it belongs. Your post also was not very ladylike, nor educated- I certainly hope you have learned from this expierence and won't repeat your mothers tendancies to stay in abusesive relations. Good luck to you.

Tue, 11/10/2009 - 1:30pm - Posted by: twoB

If this was a situation of self-defense against domestic violence, wouldn't the husband be facing charges?

2 years sounds like a good start as a punishment for firing a weapon meant to kill a person.

Mon, 11/09/2009 - 5:10pm - Posted by: 4broke

Woman beaters must be so happy to learn our DA's office offers so much help. A woman beater can learn from the DA's office how and when they can spin a lie So they are not held accountable.
Ask yourself why a wife beater would wait untill he's not on the stand to admit he is a wife beater? Lets hope and pray Sabrina dose not become his next victim. The DA's office will be glad to put her away too.

Mon, 11/09/2009 - 4:18pm - Posted by: sroys

This is typical for Yamhill county as far as I am concerned, or as I refer to the county judical system "Scamhill County". Another horrific example of the injustice this county consistantly gets away with. Don't get in trouble in this county unless you want to be treated like a rapist when your not or in this case a murderer when your not or a etc. Talk about injustice, this woman had her family behind her and her husband in court admitting that the entire incident was his fault, domestic abuse and she goes to prison for 2 years. Simply unbelievable. Sabrina you hang in there and don't pay any attention to unsupporting & stupid comments. Just keep in mind we all make mistakes and some of them are in writing. I agree with Pale Rider are there no real criminals in this county?

Mon, 11/09/2009 - 12:13am - Posted by: hns503

AND THEY ARE NOT ALCOHOLICS THANK YOU VERY MUCH.. MY MOM BARELY DRINKS WINE AND MY DAD QUIT DRINKING SO SHUT YOUR MOUTH.

Mon, 11/09/2009 - 12:10am - Posted by: hns503

Okay well this is Sabrina. Tracys daughter and thank you to those who disagree with whats happened.. but i find not one thing funny about this situation and think that was is happening is very very wrong.. all of us are trying to hang in there and keep our heads up and all the stuff being said and comments that are being made are not okay.. this is not high school crap.. people need to stand up and say something to the family if you want to talk crap or dont do it at all.. I work my assss of to get through this stupid life and i just want to let everyone know who has been talking crap that they can kiss my butt.. thanks.. think about it if it was your family.. not something were proud of but not something we can just take away.

Sat, 11/07/2009 - 7:44pm - Posted by: macresident001

I have never met the husband but im thinking a stay at the state hospital wouldnt hurt this woman at all!!! may benefit her and the community...who knows? im sure it would be better for her than the prison

Sat, 11/07/2009 - 3:22pm - Posted by: ace1

haha..... i just couldn't stop laughing. Been in this town too long. Went to school with traci and it's just too funny. i have read the article several times. My comment several times also, and everytime i write and post, i think of something that can be added to the ridiculousness of what they are actually trying to say about the whole matter. You couldn't possibly be butting heads with me or siding with them?. I'm having coffee and spitting it all over the screen. If i need correcting, i'll correct myself. I Don't need you to point it out. Everytime i post anything i do the same thing, and i always get something from someone just trying to be Vain..or stupid. That is up to you. I have to add this however: This is obviously an abusive marriage or whatever it has become, BUT you cannot forget this......: NO ONE is above the law. The abuse traci went through is the cause of their alcohol abuse and that's their problem. The fact that it's front page news....Thank the register.

Sat, 11/07/2009 - 12:41pm - Posted by: justagirlinmac

This is just a disgrace to our justice system! The Judge should be ashamed to put a woman who has been a victim of repeated domestic violence that was just defending herself in prison!!! Even her husband who has been the one who has been abusing her defends her honor here, how does our system put this woman in prison? I know this woman, she is a victim, and this is sad and makes me look at yamhill county in a whole different way! WHAT A SHAME....

Sat, 11/07/2009 - 12:27pm - Posted by: Pale Rider

It's always good to proofread one's response before posting it. Goodness!

Sat, 11/07/2009 - 11:42am - Posted by: ace1

Defending a Lunatic with a handgun" VOCIFEROUSLY"... Classic.... Very ala Howard Cosell............Although this is real life Dementia and alcoholism not uncommon amongst local business owners in this here town. The law in this city and those that represent and uphold it do not seize to amaze me. Particularly those that know each other. Very Entertaining and Taboo at the same time, when we read about the end result. We are all good people..."UNTIL WE SNAP" i guess. Check out the BlueMoon at any hour of the day....there's a local embezzlement of Drunks with an over the top attitude concentration there and pick up two steaks for $20 bucks at the same time. Funny how they never seem to get caught as long as they look as respectable as the picture above.

Sat, 11/07/2009 - 11:17am - Posted by: Pale Rider

Does anyone else feel that this is a bit over the top? I mean, the whole scenario is wacked, obviously. But to stack these charges up? The husband admits he had it coming. Why did self defense not prevail here? Granted there are obvious problems that need addressed. But this seems outlandish given the totality of the circumstances. Court, you went too far, based on how this article reads. Are there no real criminals to go after in this area?