Bend murder trial date set for November 2025

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A November 2025 trial date was set Monday for a 51-year-old Bend man charged in the fatal stabbing of his roommate in early August.

Robert Carter Lawrence was arrested the night of August 1 after police responded to a report of a deceased person at a home in the 608000 block of Raintree Drive, north of Knott Road and east of SE 15^Th Street. Officers found Matthew Kenneth Hallberg, 57, deceased in the backyard.

Prosecutors said a neighbor could hear Hallberg calling for help and saying Lawrence was trying to kill him. They said Lawrence admitted to killing Hallberg, who suffered multiple tabs.

Lawrence pleaded not guilty in early September to second-degree murder, first-degree assault and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon.

Lawrence appeared via video Monday from the Deschutes County Jail, where he remains held without bail. District Judge Michelle McIver consulted with attorneys and scheduled a seven-day jury trial for November 4, 2025. A readiness hearing is scheduled for next October 28th.