Tigard man convicted for attempted murder of USPS letter carrier

A federal judge in Portland has convicted 34-year-old Kevin Irvine of Tigard for attempted murder after he shot a USPS letter carrier in December 2022. The court found Irvine guilty of multiple charges, including attempted murder of a federal employee and aggravated assault with a firearm. Sentencing is scheduled for July 17.

The incident occurred on Christmas Eve when Irvine, driving in a Milwaukie neighborhood, made eye contact with the letter carrier. Misinterpreting Irvine's gesture of throwing his hands up as a wave, the letter carrier responded similarly. However, their paths crossed again, and Irvine stopped his vehicle, exited with a rifle, and fired three shots, one of which struck the letter carrier as he sought cover.

Irvine fled the scene but was arrested four days later when law enforcement spotted his van in Lake Oswego. A search of the vehicle revealed three rifles, ammunition, spent shell casings, and other shooting-related materials. Following the investigation, a federal grand jury indicted him on February 8, 2023.

During his trial, Irvine attempted to utilize an insanity defense, but the judge determined he did not meet the legal criteria for insanity. Consequently, the court found him guilty on all counts.

Irvine now faces significant penalties, including a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each attempted murder and aggravated assault charge. Additionally, he could receive a mandatory minimum of ten years to life in prison for discharging a firearm during the violent crime.