Coffee Creek Correctional Facility
24499 SW Grahams Ferry Road Suite U
Wilsonville OR 97070
Forwarded from new addresses
Oregon Department of Corrections: SRCI
Gerald Strebendt (15706134)
777 Stanton Blvd
Ontario OR 97914
Sent: 11/19/2015
Recd: 01/11/2016
Days: 53
On January 29, 2014, Strebendt shot and killed 53-year-old David Paul Crofut, also of Springfield, during an altercation following a traffic collision between the two drivers' vehicles. Strebendt called 911 following the collision but before shooting Crofut and was still connected with the 911 call when the shot was fired. Strebendt claims self-defense in the shooting; Strebendt's attorney, Mike Arnold of Eugene, states that Strebendt reached into his vehicle and retrieved his weapon, a loaded .223 caliber semi-automatic rifle, because Crofut verbally threatened his life. Carrying a loaded rifle in a vehicle is legal in Oregon. Crofut was unarmed during the altercation, and no weapons other than Strebendt's rifle were found at the scene. Following the shooting, Strebendt was handcuffed and taken into custody, but was released later that night. According to Strebendt on the 911 call, Crofut hit him "on purpose with his vehicle." Strebendt can be heard on the 911 call instructing Crofut to "back away" and "don't fucking come near me." At the time of his death, Crofut had a blood alcohol content of 0.156%. The legal limit for driving under the influence of alcohol in Oregon is 0.08%.
Strebendt was arrested and charged with murder on March 6, 2014, after a grand jury indictment. Lane County Circuit Court Judge Debra Vogt imposed a gag order preventing the prosecution and defense from talking about the case and sealed court documents over the objections of the local newspaper; Strebendt's attorneys objected. On May 21, 2015, the murder charge was dismissed and Strebendt pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide due to police establishing "some mitigating evidence" favoring Strebendt.
This is the 3rd time I've received a letter from Strebendt. Prison is lonely. Letters are the only way to really connect with the outside.
Gerald did two rough tours in Afghanistan in 2005 and 2006 with BlackWater USA. He says he wants to raise a family in the country in southern Oregon and raise cattle and other farm animals. I plan on definitely writing him again. On the last page, he said "I'd be happy to tell you about some of my great stories" - here are a few examples - write back and tell me which one you want me to elaborate on.
1) The time I lived with Mickey Rourkes girlfriend and I assaulted her with a piece of corn bread.
2) Spending the evening with Earl Simmons (DMX) in LA with his entourage.
3) Spending time at Pam Andersons Malibu beach home and surfing with her brother Gerry.
4) Spending time at Joe Rogans house and training in his garage with Eddie Bravo.
- Gerald Strebendt is the first person to finish with a Twister in MMA. (A move Eddie Bravo created)
This isn't exactly an autograph - though he did sign it and some people really enjoy hearing the history of fighters. This is one hell of a story.
