Beehler is judged guilty of murder

By on Thursday, February 15th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

HEPPNER – Caleb Beehler, 41, of Boardman has been pronounced guilty of second-degree murder in the shooting death of his stepfather, Richard Broadbent in March 2022. The judgement was issued by Sixth Circuit Court Judge Jon Lieuallen Wednesday at the Morrow County Courthouse.

Beehler had waived his right to a trial by a jury of his peers and the trial began Monday. A witness to the court proceeding said that his defense of extreme emotional disturbance did not apply.

Beehler’s attorney was Dean Gushwa. He was prosecuted by Oregon Department of Justice Attorney Dan Wendel, a former chief deputy district attorney for Umatilla County. Morrow County District Attorney Justin Nelson welcomed help from the state for the complex murder trial that included an attempt to plea bargain.

To our knowledge, a sentence has not yet been passed.