- Chad Michael Westover, 53, received a 25-year prison sentence for the second-degree murder of 43-year-old Tristan Thomas.
- The fatal stabbing occurred during a confrontation at Twin Creek Apartment complex on September 21, 2024.
- Thomas' mother urged the court for the maximum sentence, highlighting the profound impact of her son's death on the family.
CLACKAMAS, OREGON — Chad Michael Westover, 53, was sentenced to 25 years in prison after a jury convicted him of second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon in the death of Tristan Salvatore Thomas, a 43-year-old off-duty U.S. Postal Service mail carrier who was stabbed during a confrontation at their apartment complex, according to the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office.
Sentencing Followed Second-Degree Murder Conviction
The sentencing took place after Westover was convicted last year of second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon. During the hearing, Thomas’ mother, Beth Kostelnik, asked the court to impose the strongest possible sentence and described the long-term impact of her son’s death.
Westover apologized and told the court his “instincts kicked in,” while acknowledging the outcome of the confrontation.
Fight Broke Out at Twin Creek Apartment Complex
The fatal attack happened on September 21, 2024, at the Twin Creek Apartment complex on Southeast Sunnyside Road in Clackamas, just outside Portland. The confrontation occurred after earlier tensions at the complex, including a dispute involving motorcycle parking, according to a probable-cause affidavit.
Investigators documented that Thomas had confronted a neighbor earlier in the day and later returned to the apartment complex after receiving medical treatment.
Video and 911 Calls Captured the Altercation
Court records describe portions of the encounter being captured by neighbors on video and through Thomas’ calls to 911. Investigators stated that Thomas repeatedly screamed for help during the assault, and that bystanders could be heard urging someone to call 911 as the situation escalated.
Prosecutors described the attack as involving a kitchen knife and stated Thomas suffered multiple stab wounds, including a significant injury to an artery in his neck area. Thomas died at a hospital on October 3, 2024, according to the case summary.
Arrest and Related Case Developments
Westover left the scene after the attack and was arrested a few days later. His defense argued Thomas was the aggressor and raised claims about Thomas’ condition that night, while prosecutors disputed that version in court filings.
The affidavit also outlined allegations involving other individuals present during the confrontation. Court records show Samantha Christensen later turned herself in and faced separate charges connected to the incident.
Victim Remembered as Community Pillar
Thomas’ family described him as dedicated to serving the community, including through his work delivering mail in the same area where he grew up. Family statements in court emphasized the lasting impact of the killing and the years of loss that followed.
For more cases related to neighbor disputes and deadly escalations, check out our video here:
