Man Receives 20-Year Sentence for Fatal Shooting at Southeast Portland Middle School Parking Lot
Zackery Retonong, a Portland man convicted of fatally shooting 18-year-old Donavinh Saelee during a failed robbery attempt, has been sentenced to 20 years in state prison. The emotional courtroom was packed with relatives of the victim as Retonong, his voice barely above a whisper, expressed remorse for his actions, saying, It wasn’t supposed to go down like that. I am sorry.
According to prosecutors, surveillance footage captured Saelee’s silver Honda Civic entering the parking lot of Gilbert Heights Middle School around 4:30 a.m. on August 7, 2021. Saelee and four others exited the car, but tragedy struck when Saelee turned around to address someone in the back seat, and gunshots rang out. Less than an hour later, Saelee was found dead in the parking lot, having sustained gunshot wounds to his neck and torso.
Retonong was apprehended by Marion County deputies last December while driving a stolen Jeep. Multnomah County prosecutors allege that he was the one who pulled the trigger, and there is evidence of him confessing to the killing in a message sent to his girlfriend. Another individual involved in the incident, Winkel S. Walter, was also arrested in the same month and is facing a first-degree murder charge for reportedly stealing Saelee’s wallet after the shooting.
Evelyn Saelee, the victim’s aunt, spoke about the devastating loss, highlighting the fact that her nephew took his last breath alone, without any loved ones by his side. She emphasized that he had big plans for his life, but his dreams were tragically cut short.
Following Retonong’s guilty plea to first-degree manslaughter as part of a plea deal, Circuit Judge Heidi Moawad sentenced him to 20 years in prison, expressing hope that he would utilize this time to reflect on his actions and embark on a path of personal growth. It is worth noting that Retonong may be eligible for sentence reduction programs during the final 2½ years of his incarceration.
As of now, no one else has been arrested in connection with the case. Prosecutors believe that Saelee was lured to the area under false pretenses by the group of acquaintances, with Walter requesting a ride from him earlier that day.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of misguided actions and the importance of valuing and protecting human life. The hope is that justice has been served, albeit with heavy hearts, and that those affected can find solace and healing in the face of this immense loss.
By Zane Sparling
