TriMet plans plaque, mural to memorialize MAX stabbing victims

TriMet on Thursday released details on its plan to memorialize the victims of the deadly stabbings aboard a MAX train last spring.

The agency said it would install a 4-by-6-foot plaque at Hollywood Transit Center with text honoring the men killed, Ricky Best and Taliesin Namkai-Meche, and the man who survived, Micah Fletcher.

It will include images of the impromptu memorial that sprung up at the transit center, which included flowers and chalked messages. The transit agency, after consulting with the families of the victims, commissioned designer John Larsen to create the plaque of porcelain enamel and steel.

The agency also has commissioned a mural reminiscent of the chalk messages left at the site after the attack, but the painting is intended to be temporary. The transit center was already scheduled for a renovation in coming years.

The mural is expected to be in place by May 26, the one year anniversary of the attack. The plaque will be installed that day.

A TriMet spokeswoman said the designs of the tributes are still being finalized.

The three men were attacked after intervening when another man yelled slurs at two women riding the train, police have said.

Jeremy Christian, 35, was arrested on two counts of aggravated murder, one count of attempted aggravated murder, one count of first-degree assault, one count of second-degree assault, five counts of unlawful use of a weapon, three counts of second-degree intimidation, and two counts of menacing.

Christian’s next court date is set for Nov. 15, when a bail hearing will be held.