Portland Bartender Found Guilty of Killing Boyfriend After Thanksgiving Argument

• Barbara Michelle, a 44-year-old Portland bartender, was convicted of shooting and killing her boyfriend, Justin Williams, 41, after a dispute over Thanksgiving.
• She was found guilty of first-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and driving under the influence.
• Sentencing is scheduled for early next week.

In a tragic incident, Barbara Michelle, a 44-year-old bartender from Portland, has been convicted of the manslaughter of her boyfriend, Justin Williams, 41.

The unfortunate event unfolded outside the Bluebird Tavern in Portland last year, following a heated argument between the couple over the meaning of Thanksgiving, which escalated while both were under the influence of alcohol.

Photo by@Portland Police Bureau/dailymail.co

Williams succumbed to his injuries two days later at the Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. Michelle, who was arrested at the scene, claimed self-defense during the trial. However, the jury rejected this claim, finding her guilty of multiple charges, including first-degree manslaughter and assault, as well as the unlawful use of a weapon and driving under intoxication.

The court heard various accounts, including Michelle's testimony about the argument and a witness's claim that her last words before leaving the tavern were a threat to kill Williams. Surveillance footage also showed the couple's interaction prior to the shooting. The sentencing of Michelle is expected early next week, with the potential for a minimum of 10 years in prison.

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