Karp originally faced an intentional or knowing murder charge. According to the judge's decision Thursday morning, if Karp misbehaves, breaks a no contact order or violates his probation he will serve the full 15 years.
Last July, 48-year-old Karp shot and killed 54-year-old McHugh during what police and prosecutors say was a brawl and shootout involving rival motorcycle clubs. The violence broke out near Morrill's Corner in Portland at 1155 Forest Ave., across the street from Almost Famous Tattoos & Piercings, which Karp owns. His defense had argued in previous hearings that Karp was firing in self defense.
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Eighteen gunshots can be heard in surveillance video near the shooting, and people can be seen scurrying for cover. Three others were shot and injured that day. Karp, who turned himself in to police on August 2, is one of seven defendants connected to this case.
The other six defendants — Caleb Pelkey, Kaleb Cidre, James Moody, Nathan Walsh, Kristofer Haken and Jason Kennan — face elevated aggravated assault charges and will all be tried together. A judge agreed to a joinder request in March after attorneys argued that holding six separate trials over many months would lead to "lots of logistical issues."
