Portland jury rejects burglar's $10 million lawsuit against business owner

A Portland, Oregon jury has rejected a $10 million lawsuit filed by Kenneth Voyles against business owner James Grant. The lawsuit stemmed from a March 2023 incident in which Grant shot Voyles three times during a burglary at Touchstone Granite & Marble.

Voyles, who had broken into the facility, claimed the shooting caused unjustified physical and emotional damage. However, the jury found that Voyles’ decision to break into the business was a “substantial factor” in his injuries. Grant, who lived in the back of the fabrication plant to save money, testified that he shot Voyles after the intruder appeared agitated and ready to attack.

Law enforcement did not charge Grant in the incident, while Voyles previously pleaded guilty to burglary of a dwelling and was sentenced to a five-year drug court process. The jury reached its decision following a seven-day trial, siding 10-2 with the business owner.