A Portland homeless shelter employee has been arrested in connection with the 2022 killing of 39-year-old Shaani Mohamed, an Uber driver and father of eight. Authorities confirmed last week that 41-year-old Kaesha Green was taken into custody on suspicion of second-degree murder.
Green worked for Urban Alchemy, a nonprofit contracted by the city of Portland to operate multiple shelter sites. The organization placed her on unpaid leave on November 6, the day after her arrest.
Suspect Had Prior Criminal History
Court documents show that Green has an extensive criminal record. She has previously pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm in both 2017 and 2022, and was convicted of first-degree burglary in 2009.
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A second suspect, 28-year-old Justin Ortega-Mejia, is also facing a second-degree murder charge in Mohamed’s death.
Police have not publicly released details about how investigators tied either suspect to the killing. However, indictments indicate the fatal shooting occurred while Green and Ortega-Mejia were allegedly in the process of robbing Mohamed.
Community Relief as Arrests Are Made
For Portland’s Somali community, the arrests mark a significant moment.
Musse Olol, president of the Somali American Council of Oregon, said the news brings a measure of relief to Mohamed’s grieving family and the wider community.
“It’s the beginning of healing,” Olol said. He expressed hope that investigators identified the correct suspects while reinforcing that both remain innocent until proven guilty in court.
Mohamed’s widow continues to care for their eight children—ranging from a toddler who was an infant at the time of the killing to teenagers who have since graduated high school. Olol said his organization has been assisting the family as they navigate ongoing emotional and financial hardship.
Who Was Shaani Mohamed?
Mohamed was a Somali immigrant known for his love of soccer and his dedication to his large family. He often stayed connected with his children even while driving for Uber.
On the night of his death, Mohamed’s 9-year-old son attempted to FaceTime him. According to Olol, a woman answered the phone, startling the boy, who immediately dropped it. When Mohamed’s wife tried to call back, the phone had already been turned off. The memory of that moment continues to haunt the family.
“It’s not just the loss of one person,” Olol said. “It’s the impact on an entire family.”
Urban Alchemy’s Hiring Practices
Urban Alchemy hired Green in 2023—one year after Mohamed’s killing. At the time, she had not been connected to the crime. The nonprofit is known for intentionally hiring individuals with criminal histories, believing they can leverage their lived experiences in crisis-response work.
“We prioritize hiring long-term offenders and harness the skills and energy of these returning citizens,” Urban Alchemy spokesperson Jes Montejano said. Staff members, Montejano added, bring unique insight that helps them connect with unhoused individuals and those in crisis.
Green played a significant role in Urban Alchemy’s efforts to create sober-living spaces, known as wellness villages, inside its Portland shelters. In an interview earlier this year, she spoke openly about her own recovery journey and her desire to help others build stability.
“People are in need of love and compassion,” she said at the time. “You’re already beating your own self up.”
Urban Alchemy says it conducts background checks and individualized assessments before hiring. The organization responded to Green’s arrest by stating that it is committed to taking immediate action when employees violate its standards.
“We understand the seriousness of the allegations,” Montejano said, “and believe the justice system must run its course.”
Scrutiny Over Urban Alchemy
Portland entered into a partnership with Urban Alchemy in 2023, initially hiring the nonprofit to operate one of its sleeping-pod shelters. Since then, the organization’s footprint in the city has grown.
However, Urban Alchemy has faced controversy in other states.
In Sausalito, California, 30 residents of a sanctioned camping site sued the nonprofit in 2022, accusing employees of supplying methamphetamines, using drugs while on duty, and failing to protect residents—including an alleged sexual assault by a staff member. A federal judge barred Sausalito from renewing the contract and banned two staff members from returning to the site. Under a settlement, the city paid each camper about $18,000.
More recently, Urban Alchemy has been accused of financial mismanagement and data-recording issues in other cities.
Despite these concerns, Portland officials have continued to speak positively about the nonprofit’s work. City spokesperson Rob Layne previously praised Urban Alchemy’s performance, saying the group delivers “high-quality work, on time, and often under budget.”
Following Green’s arrest, another city spokesperson, Cody Bowman, confirmed that Urban Alchemy notified the city immediately and said Portland “appreciates the organization’s transparency.”
Ongoing Support for Mohamed’s Family
Mohamed’s family has struggled financially since losing their primary provider. The Somali American Council of Oregon has helped with rent, groceries, and other essential needs. However, Olol said these supports are becoming harder to secure due to cuts in state and federal aid programs.
Through it all, he said, the emotional toll remains the heaviest burden.
Legal Proceedings Move Forward
According to court filings, a grand jury indicted Green on October 10. Both defendants are scheduled to appear in court, with Green’s trial set for December 19.
As the legal process continues, Mohamed’s loved ones hope for justice and continue to honor the memory of a father whose absence is felt daily.
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