Portland, OR. — Official Release: A Multnomah County grand jury has indicted three people accused in connection with a stabbing that occurred on August 25, 2025, near the Multnomah County Library.
The defendants — Anthony Michael Nicholas, Ja’Riyah La Quice Williams, and Daviana E. Anderson — face multiple charges, including assault, unlawful use of a weapon, menacing, and interfering with public transportation.
Charges
All three defendants face Counts 1 through 11:
- Assault in the Second Degree (Class B Felony) – 3 counts
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class C Felony) – 3 counts
- Menacing (Class A Misdemeanor) – 3 counts
- Assault in the Third Degree (Class C Felony) – 1 count
- Interfering with Public Transportation (Class A Misdemeanor) – 1 count
In addition, Daviana E. Anderson faces:
- Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class C Felony) – 1 count
- Menacing (Class A Misdemeanor) – 1 count
District Attorney Responds to Video Release Debate
The case has also prompted a public exchange between Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez and County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, who earlier called for the release of library surveillance video related to the incident.
Vasquez defended his office’s handling of the evidence, stressing that public safety, victim protection, and the rights of the accused remain his priorities.
“It is not the role of the District Attorney’s Office to try criminal cases via press releases, headlines, or social media commentary,” Vasquez said. “It is our responsibility to present evidence in a court of law, where justice can be administered fairly and in a manner that protects the rights of the victim and the accused.”
He added that the Multnomah County Library holds its own copy of the video and could release it independently if directed by the County Chair.
Next Steps
The indictment allows the case to proceed to trial. Vasquez emphasized that his office will “vigorously prosecute violent crimes occurring in the immediate vicinity of the Multnomah County Library” to ensure the safety of the community.
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