Couple that Ran Over Teen Killing Him Indicted for Murder

A couple from Gresham who intentionally ran over a teenager who was fleeing an assault are now charged with murder.

Russell Courtier, 38, and Colleen Hunt, 35, had been charged with attempted murder for running down Darnell Bruce, 19, of Washington, outside of a 7-11 in Gresham. Police said he did not know either of his assailants.

Bruce died last week and a grand jury voted to upgrade the charges.

Courtier pleaded not guilty.

Police say that Courtier was the driver and Hunt was the passenger.

The incident happened at the 7-11 at East Burnside and Southeast 188th Avenue in Gresham.

A friend of Bruce's told police that they had been at the store charging their cell phones when a fight broke out between Bruce and Courtier.

It's not known what started the fight but witnesses told police Courtier smashed Bruce's head into one of the store's windows.

Witnesses told police that Bruce left the store and was pursued by Courtier. At one point, in the parking lot, Bruce pulled a machete on Courtier.

Bruce tried to flee the area.

Courtier and Hunt got into their red 1991 Jeep Cherokee. Hunt told police that she egged her boyfriend on, urging him to "get him, baby."

Courtier told police that while he had thought about just driving away, he made a conscious decision to run Bruce down.

Police were told that after one unsuccessful attempt to hit Bruce, Courtier tried again and was successful.

Courtier and Hunt told police they thought about calling 9-1-1 but decided to flee.

Police, though, had a good description of their vehicle and soon stopped it a few blocks away at Northeast 185th Drive and Northeast Sandy Boulevard.

Courtier and Hunt were arrested.