PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland police say a tragic murder-suicide in the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood over the weekend left three family members dead, including a 10-year-old girl.
The Incident
Officers were called to a home in the 7300 block of Southeast 64th Avenue shortly after 5 p.m. on Saturday. Inside, they found a 22-year-old man, his 46-year-old mother, and his 10-year-old sister dead from apparent gunshot wounds.
Authorities have not yet publicly identified the victims. The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to release names after autopsies are complete.
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Community in Shock
News of the tragedy spread quickly through the quiet Southeast Portland neighborhood. On Sunday morning, grieving neighbors gathered outside the home, embracing one another and wiping away tears.
Several recalled fond memories of the family, describing the mother as deeply loving and devoted to creating a good life for her children. The 22-year-old was remembered as hard-working and kind, while the 10-year-old girl was described as bright, curious, and full of potential.
One neighbor said the girl was so intelligent and charismatic that they could imagine her becoming president one day. “She was just that bright,” they recalled.
School Response
The young girl attended Woodmere Elementary School, located about a mile from the family’s home. In a letter to parents and guardians, Principal Katherine Polizos shared the devastating news with “tremendous sadness” and said trauma counselors would be made available to students.
“Staff will be centering care, compassion, and empathy as we move through the coming days, and I know that many students will be deeply impacted,” Polizos wrote.
Neighbors Struggle to Understand
Residents said it is difficult to comprehend what unfolded Saturday evening in a family that appeared close-knit and supportive. Many who had socialized with them said there were no outward signs of the turmoil that led to the tragedy.
“It doesn’t make sense,” one neighbor said. “They were good people. It’s heartbreaking.”
Police Investigation
Portland police confirmed that all three deaths were the result of gunshot wounds and ruled the case a murder-suicide. Investigators have not disclosed a possible motive.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have information about the incident but has not yet spoken to detectives to come forward. Tips can be shared with Detective William Winters at William.Winters@police.portlandoregon.gov or Detective J.D. McGuire at Jeff.McGuire@police.portlandoregon.gov. Community members should reference case number 25-245107.
A Community in Mourning
As the investigation continues, the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood is grappling with profound grief. For many, the loss of a young mother and her daughter—alongside the shock of the son’s actions—has left a hole in the community’s heart.
Neighbors said they are holding onto memories of a family once full of promise, even as they struggle to reconcile with the tragedy that unfolded behind closed doors.
