Talon Gabriel Mitchell, a 23-year-old man from Oregon, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the 2023 slaying of his wife, Oulaykham Mona Chopheng, just weeks after they were married.
Mitchell was convicted of first-degree manslaughter with a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon. He was sentenced by Washington County Circuit Judge Theodore Sims on March 12, 2026, after pleading guilty to the charges.
The Tragic Incident
The fatal incident occurred on February 23, 2023, when Mitchell, then 19 years old, shot and killed his wife inside their apartment in Beaverton, Oregon. Mitchell called 911 himself after the shooting, sending a series of bizarre messages to the dispatcher.
One of the messages read, “HELP, IM STUCK IN A DREAM,” and he also texted, “I’m being controlled,” followed by messages including “Help me” and “Insanity.”
When Beaverton police officers arrived at the apartment, they found Chopheng dead on the couch, having suffered a gunshot wound to the face. Mitchell, who had visible blood on his shoes, was arrested shortly afterward.
LSD and Mitchell’s Defense
During an interview with authorities, Mitchell confessed that he had taken LSD earlier that morning and did not remember firing the gun. He claimed that he had blacked out and then woke up later that evening, finding his wife’s bloody body and believing it was part of a bad dream or a zombie apocalypse scenario.
He reportedly decided to text 911 because he thought he was in a dreamlike state and needed help.
Witnesses and neighbors confirmed hearing Chopheng crying for help and Mitchell speaking in short, abrupt sentences shortly before the shooting, according to court records.
Sentence and Legal Outcome
Mitchell was sentenced to 20 years in a state correctional facility, with the first 10 years to be served in full. He will be eligible for good behavior reductions in the latter half of his sentence.
The sentence comes after Mitchell reached a plea deal with prosecutors, avoiding a trial that was originally scheduled for March 31, 2026.
Background of the Case
Mitchell’s arrest and the tragic shooting have drawn attention to the dangers of substance abuse, particularly the potential for violent behavior under the influence of hallucinogenic drugs like LSD.
The case also highlighted the toxic consequences of mental health and substance abuse issues, which Mitchell appeared to struggle with, as well as the chaotic and unsettling circumstances surrounding the death.
The tragic death of Oulaykham Mona Chopheng, just weeks into her marriage, is a sobering reminder of the risks associated with drug use and unaddressed mental health issues.
As Talon Gabriel Mitchell serves his 20-year sentence, this case has sparked conversations about the importance of intervention and support for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health challenges.
