The Oregon Court of Appeals has reversed two of Nathaniel Curtis Freeman's convictions related to unlawful use of a weapon and felon in possession of a firearm. This decision, filed on October 28, 2026, affects Freeman's legal standing and highlights the complexities of joining multiple charges in a single trial.

Freeman faced serious charges, including first-degree murder, stemming from three separate incidents involving firearms. The court's ruling is significant, as it emphasizes the importance of fair trial rights and the proper handling of evidence in criminal cases.

Background

Nathaniel Curtis Freeman was charged with multiple offenses, including three counts of unlawful use of a weapon with a firearm and three counts of felon in possession of a firearm. These charges arose from three distinct incidents that occurred between May 2021 and May 2022. The first incident took place during a baby shower in May 2021, where Freeman retrieved a firearm after a physical altercation. The second incident involved the shooting of an individual named G at a birthday party in April 2022, and the third incident involved the shooting of another individual named V in May 2022.

Freeman's legal troubles began when he was indicted on multiple counts related to these incidents. The state sought to join all the charges in a single trial, arguing that they were connected by the use of firearms. However, Freeman's defense argued that the charges should be severed due to their distinct nature and the potential for prejudice.

The Ruling

The court ruled that the trial court had erred in denying Freeman's motion to sever the charges related to the May 2021 incident from the other charges. The court found that the state had not demonstrated that the May 2021 charges were of the same or similar character as those arising from the later incidents. The court stated, "the trial court erred in denying defendant’s motion to sever the charges arising from the May 2021 incident from the charges arising from the April 2022 and May 2022 incidents."

However, the court upheld the convictions related to the April 2022 and May 2022 incidents, ruling that the charges were properly joined. The judges involved in the ruling included Presiding Judge Tookey, Judge Kamins, and Judge Jacquot.

Impact

This ruling has significant implications for Freeman, as it reverses his convictions on two counts, allowing him to challenge those charges anew. It also highlights the legal standards surrounding the joinder of charges in criminal cases, emphasizing that charges must be of similar character to be joined without prejudice. The decision may influence future cases where defendants seek to sever charges based on the potential for unfair prejudice.

The court's decision reinforces the importance of ensuring that defendants receive fair trials, particularly when multiple charges are involved. It sets a precedent for how courts may handle similar cases in the future, particularly regarding the admissibility of evidence and the potential for juror confusion.

What's Next

Freeman's case may be appealed further, but details were not available in the court filing regarding any pending related cases. The reversal of these convictions allows for the possibility of a new trial on the severed charges, which could further complicate Freeman's legal situation.