OR Supreme Court upholds conviction of Woodburn bank bombers

SALEM, Ore. (KOIN) – The Oregon Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the conviction and sentencing of a father and his son who bombed a bank in Woodburn, killing two law enforcement officers.

Both Bruce and Joshua Turnidge were convicted of all counts, including aggravated murder, and were both sentenced to death.

Under Oregon law, anyone convicted of aggravated murder and sentenced to death must have their case reviewed by the Oregon Supreme Court.

The bombing occurred Friday, Dec. 12, 2008.

Oregon State Police Senior Trooper William Hakim and Woodburn Police Captain Tom Tennant both died when the bomb went off as Hakim attempted to disable it.

Woodburn Police Chief Scott Russell was critically injured.

Bruce and Joshua Turnidge both remain in custody at the Oregon State Penitentiary.

The Oregon Supreme Court “rejected” all claims of error by defense attorneys.

“The judgement of conviction and sentences of death are affirmed,” the high court writes.

In a statement released by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office, prosecutors write: “Today’s decision reinforces the justice and fairness of the trial process and of the jury’s verdicts and sentences.”