La Grande man who attempted suicide on construction crane in 2023 convicted on sex abuse charges
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, July 1st, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – A La Grande man who gained infamy for an attempted public suicide almost three years ago was recently found guilty by the Union County Circuit Court on three charges related to sexual abuse. Following a trial beginning Tuesday, June 23, Walker Adam Hackett was convicted of Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, Contributing to the Sexual Delinquency of a Minor, and Sexual Misconduct.
Some La Grande residents may remember Hackett’s name from a prior public incident. On July 5, 2023, Hackett attempted to take his own life by hanging himself from a 130-foot tower crane then being used as part of the ongoing expansion of Grande Ronde Hospital. Emergency crews were able to reach Hacket before he died, transporting him by Life Flight to another regional hospital.
On August 13, 2024, Hacket (22 at the time) was then arrested by the La Grande Police Department on charges of first-degree rape, first-degree sex abuse, second-degree sex abuse, sexual misconduct, and endangering the welfare of a minor. This arrest stemmed from a June 2023 investigation after a 16-year-old female reported that Hackett had allegedly raped her. As stated at the time by then LGPD Lieutenant (now Chief of Police) Jason Hays:
“The victim had only known Hackett for a short period of time prior to the alleged sexual assault taking place. Interviews were conducted and evidence was collected and analyzed. DNA evidence played a major role in this case.”
The LGPD also noted at the time that Hackett was under investigation for the aforementioned charges when he attempted to take his own life, but it was unconfirmed if this attempt and the investigation were officially connected.
According to information from the Union County Circuit Court, Hackett pleaded not guilty to all five charges during a hearing on September 10, 2024. The charges specifically listed by the Union County Circuit Court are:
- 1: Rape in the First Degree. Felony Class A. 06/03/2023
- 2: Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. Felony Class B. 06/03/2023
- 3: Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree. Felony Class C. 06/03/2023
- 4: Contributing to the Sexual Delinquency of a Minor. Misdemeanor Class A. 06/03/2023
- 5: Sexual Misconduct. Misdemeanor Class C. 06/03/2023
A multi-day hearing was held beginning Tuesday, June 23, 2026. On Thursday, June 25, 2026, the following verdict was issued by Judge Thomas B. Powers:
- 1: Rape in the First Degree. Acquitted
- 3: Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree. Convicted
- 4: Contributing to the Sexual Delinquency of a Minor. Convicted
- 5: Sexual Misconduct. Convicted
- 2: Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. Acquitted
As of the time of writing, a sentencing hearing for Hackett is scheduled for August 7, 2026.
