News writer
When you win the lottery, it is supposed to be the start of a lucky streak. You are riding that high, so you shouldn't be having a life-or-death struggle. However, one Portland man was dealing with that struggle after winning $2,000 at a local bar.
That lottery win turned into a scary night that involved a surprise attacker, a pocketknife, and an unexpected nap. And now that attacker has been found guilty and is heading to prison.
A lottery win turned lethal
On the night of August 18, 2024, the victim was playing the lottery machine at Montana's Bar in Portland, as Lottery USA previously reported. He was having a lucky night, as he ended up winning $2,000.
Sometime during the evening, 62-year-old Pablo Figueroa introduced himself to the lucky winner. The victim eventually left the bar, and Figueroa followed him on foot all the way back to his apartment, which was multiple blocks away.
He was sneaky about it, so Figueroa was able to slip through the victim's security gate before it closed. As soon as the victim opened his door, Figueroa tackled him into the apartment, according to court documents.
Once inside the apartment, Figueroa punched the victim multiple times and ordered him to hand over the lottery winnings. Despite the fact that the victim gave him hundreds of dollars, Figueroa took out a knife and stabbed the victim a total of 15 times. The stab wounds were across the face, chest, and arms.
Things were not looking good for the victim, so he decided to play dead. The man eventually blacked out during the incident.
A tired assailant
The victim eventually came to and heard the sound of snoring inside his apartment. He soon realized that Figueroa was still in his apartment and was taking a nap at his kitchen table.
In an interview with The Oregonian, the victim said:
Mr. Figueroa had the money and could have left my apartment, but instead decided to sit at my kitchen table and watch me die.
However, he did not die. Instead, he was able to escape the apartment and call the police.
When police arrived at the scene, the apartment was empty. Authorities were able to obtain access to the building's security cameras and realized Figueroa still hadn't left the building.
Police found him hiding in the complex's garbage room. Figueroa had blood on his pants and $624 in cash on him. Authorities later found the pocketknife used on the victim in a cat's litter box.
Trial and sentencing
After he was initially arrested, Figueroa was charged with second-degree assault, first-degree burglary, attempt to commit a Class A felony, attempted murder, burglary, robbery, assault, strangulation, and unlawful use of a weapon.
During his trial, he was only found guilty of second-degree assault, first-degree burglary, and attempt to commit a Class A felony, authorities said. He was sentenced to five years and 10 months in a state correctional facility.
Enjoy playing the Oregon Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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