PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A teenage double murder suspect entered a not guilty plea Tuesday in a Multnomah County courtroom.
Michael Ramirez is accused of killing 44-year-old Sergey Peshkov and 18-year-old Lorenzo Gordon in Southeast Portland, according to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
Peshkov was found dead outside his Lents home around 7:30 a.m. on May 24. Gordon was found fatally shot in the parking lot of the Springtime Apartments the following night.
A friend told KOIN 6 News Peshkov did not know Ramirez, but she claims he did know an acquaintance of the suspect.
Investigators won’t say if there’s any kind of connection between the men. It’s also unclear if Ramirez and Lorenzo Gordon knew each other.
Ramirez was arrested in Gresham on May 26 and now faces two counts of murder with a firearm and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon.
Court documents revealed Ramirez was first convicted of a crime when he was 13 and reports having schizophrenia.
Ramirez’ grandmother spoke briefly with KOIN 6 News on Tuesday in Gresham. She said she loves her grandson and is praying for him.
A large group of supporters were there for Ramirez at the arraignment, although the 19-year-old appeared by video. At the end of the arraignment, his father said, “Love you, son.”
His father declined a KOIN 6 News request for comment other than to say, “He’s innocent.”
Ramirez is next expected in court on July 30.