Portland Man Charged with Attempted Rape, Kidnapping in Alleged Home Invasion Involving Mother and Infants

Blood-curdling words echoed through a Portland neighborhood last month as a man allegedly breached a home, targeting a mother cradling her infant. Judson Curtis Defir, 43, is accused of breaking into a South Tabor residence on March 15, confronting an unnamed woman with a chilling declaration: "Honey, I'm here." The alleged assault unfolded in front of her three-year-old child and ten-month-old baby, according to Portland Police. Defir, already wanted on two active warrants, was arrested without bail and charged with first-degree attempted rape, kidnapping, and outstanding warrants.

Authorities rushed to a home at Southeast 67th Avenue and Brooklyn Street around 11:30 a.m. after reports of a disturbance. A woman described to officers how Defir entered her home, cornering her in a bedroom while she clutched her infant and shielded her toddler. The affidavit detailed a morning that began normally, with the mother upstairs with her baby and toddler, while her husband worked outside. Defir allegedly entered the house, walked up the stairs, and greeted her with the unnerving phrase.

The intruder, described as six feet tall and reeking of filth, allegedly grabbed the woman, dragged her into another room, and forced her onto a bed. She fought back, breaking a nail in the struggle as he pulled her sweatpants down. The victim remained face-down on the bed, holding her baby in her arms while Defir allegedly attempted to sexually assault her. The affidavit noted her desperate attempt to protect her children, leading her to convince Defir to let her place the infant in a crib before fleeing to her older child's room and barricading the door with a bookcase.

Defir's actions didn't stop at the home invasion. Earlier that morning, he allegedly touched a woman inappropriately inside a church and later admitted to smoking meth before heading to church for pancakes. Authorities said he claimed he "accidentally bumped" into the woman and considered jumping from the second floor to escape. However, the community intervened, with 15 residents helping police identify him after he fled. During his arrest, Defir leered at Sgt. Rehanna Kerridge and taunted her with a crude remark, according to Oxygen.com.

Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez condemned the crime as "shocking," emphasizing that people have a right to feel safe in their own homes. The case has drawn intense scrutiny, with prosecutors vowing to pursue justice. The victim's harrowing account, coupled with Defir's brazen behavior, has left neighbors reeling. As the investigation continues, the community's swift response highlights the power of collective action in confronting such crimes.

A local resident described the harrowing events that led to the arrest of a man linked to multiple violent crimes in the community. According to a report by Oxygen, Marreno recounted how Defir fled his home after a confrontation, claiming that individuals were pursuing him. Approximately 15 members of the neighborhood joined the effort to track him down, ultimately assisting law enforcement in identifying and apprehending the suspect shortly after the alleged home invasion.

Defir, already facing two active warrants for his arrest, was taken into custody by police and charged with first-degree attempted rape and first-degree kidnapping. His account of the incident, as relayed by Marreno, included claims that he was attempting to evade those following him before being arrested. The police investigation revealed a pattern of behavior that morning, with Defir allegedly targeting two women walking through the neighborhood and another inside a church.

The suspect's criminal history is extensive and troubling. Court documents show that Defir has been arrested more than 12 times over the past 25 years, including for severe offenses such as first-degree criminal mischief, fourth-degree assault, DUII, and first-degree criminal mistreatment. In September 2024, he was arrested after reportedly screaming at two young girls in a park and lying naked in a driveway while intoxicated, an incident that led to a year of probation. However, Defir failed to complete a mandatory substance abuse class by the August deadline, prompting another warrant for his arrest.

Multnomah County Judge Adrian Brown ordered Defir to be held without bail ahead of a detention hearing, citing the severity of the charges and the risk he posed to the community. Chief Bob Day, in a recent press release, expressed solidarity with the victims of the alleged crimes, emphasizing the courage they demonstrated in coming forward. He also praised the rapid response of patrol officers and detectives, whose actions helped restore a sense of safety to the neighborhood.

Authorities continue to investigate Defir's involvement in the incidents and have urged residents to provide any information that could aid the case. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation progresses, with police committed to ensuring justice for the victims and holding the suspect accountable for his actions.