PORTLAND, Ore. — A Multnomah County judge on Monday sentenced a 62-year-old Portland man to life in prison with a minimum of 25 years after a jury convicted him of murdering his girlfriend in a domestic violence case that prosecutors say followed years of abuse and threats.
Vincent Scoggins was sentenced July 27 after a jury found him guilty on July 23 of Murder in the Second Degree Constituting Domestic Violence and Unlawful Use of a Weapon Constituting Domestic Violence in Multnomah County Circuit Court (Case No. 23CR34007).
For the murder conviction, Scoggins received a life sentence with a minimum of 25 years before becoming eligible for parole. He also received a concurrent 30-month prison sentence for the unlawful use of a weapon conviction.
According to evidence presented during the trial, Scoggins called 911 at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 8, 2022, reporting that he had returned to the Beverly Grove Apartments and found his girlfriend, Penelope “Penny” Fegan, dead inside their shared residence.
When first responders arrived, they determined Fegan had been deceased for some time. Investigators found she had suffered catastrophic head injuries. The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office later determined she died from blunt force trauma to the head after being struck approximately 10 to 12 times with a hammer. Her death was ruled a homicide.
Prosecutors said the investigation revealed that Scoggins and Fegan’s relationship had a history of domestic violence, with Scoggins’ methamphetamine abuse frequently contributing to conflicts. During previous arguments, investigators said Scoggins had threatened to kill Fegan and “bash [her] head in” if she ever left him.
Evidence presented at trial showed Scoggins had relapsed and used methamphetamine during the weekend before the killing. Prosecutors said Fegan responded by telling him she intended to leave the relationship and had begun making plans to move out of the apartment before she was killed.
Although Scoggins denied any involvement and maintained that he discovered Fegan’s body after returning home, investigators spent nearly a year reconstructing the events leading up to the homicide.
Detectives relied on surveillance video, traffic camera footage, cellphone records, and interviews with family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers to establish a timeline. Investigators also determined Scoggins had lied about several key aspects of the case and attempted to conceal his involvement.
Forensic evidence developed through DNA testing and bloodstain pattern analysis conducted by the Oregon State Police Crime Lab proved instrumental in the investigation and ultimately led to Scoggins’ arrest and prosecution.
Following a trial that lasted nearly two weeks, a Multnomah County jury convicted Scoggins on all charges.
Deputy District Attorney Devin Franklin and Senior Deputy District Attorney Melissa Marrero prosecuted the case. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office credited the Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Detail, particularly lead Detective Eric McDaniel, the Oregon State Police Crime Lab, and Victim Advocate Kristen Stowell for their work throughout the nearly four-year investigation and prosecution.
Following the sentencing, Franklin remembered Fegan as “a truly good person with a bright and colorful personality” who was deeply loved by her family, friends, and coworkers.
“This case underscores the devastating reality of domestic violence—and the need to take any and all warning signs seriously,” Franklin said. “We were honored to advocate for justice for Penny and we hope this verdict brings some sense of peace and healing to her family.”
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office also highlighted the importance of victim advocacy services and encouraged anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek assistance through available community resources.
- Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office: Victim Assistance Program: 503-988-3222
- Call to Safety: 1-888-235-5333
- The Gateway Center for Domestic Violence Services: 503-988-6400
About the Author
Discover more from Right Now Oregon
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
