A Portland community is mourning the loss of a mother and daughter after police confirmed a tragic double murder-suicide in Southeast Portland earlier this month. Authorities say 22-year-old Miguel Morgan fatally shot his mother, 48-year-old Maria Florencia Rubio, and his 10-year-old sister, Liliana Morgan, before turning the gun on himself.
Tragedy Unfolds in Southeast Portland
Portland Police responded to reports of gunfire shortly after 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, at a home on Southeast 64th Avenue. When officers entered the residence, they discovered the three victims inside. Investigators believe Miguel shot his mother and sister before dying by suicide.
The shocking incident has left family members and the local community reeling, struggling to make sense of the tragedy that claimed the lives of two people described as “loving,” “kind,” and “full of light.”
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A Family in Mourning
Maria’s surviving son, 20-year-old Mateo Christian, created a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses and ongoing family bills, including the mortgage. He described his mother as a woman who “loved our family with all of her heart” and his sister as “a bright, loving girl with so much more to see and grow.”
“Liliana loved cats, watching movies with Mom, and spending time with the whole family,” Mateo wrote. “She was so loved by her classmates and everyone around her. Her last days were full of excitement about school and small adventures with her dad.”
Mateo’s words capture the warmth of the household before tragedy struck — a mother who devoted herself to her children and a daughter who filled the family home with joy and laughter.
Grandparents Express Shock and Grief
The children’s grandparents, Tonya and Daniel Trutton, say they are still in disbelief and searching for answers. “Absolutely surprised by how this happened,” Tonya told KOIN News. “You ask yourself what you missed — what he wasn’t sharing with us — and there’s just no answer.”
“It’s really hard to understand how one beloved child could become the reason for such unimaginable loss,” she added.
The grandparents have also launched their own GoFundMe campaign to support their son and surviving grandchild through the aftermath of the tragedy. “Any gifts of support are greatly appreciated,” the couple wrote, describing themselves as “heartbroken” over the deaths of their daughter-in-law and granddaughter.
Remembering a Loving Mother and Daughter
Maria Rubio is being remembered as a dedicated and loving mother who “always put her children first.” Friends and family describe her as selfless, kindhearted, and deeply devoted to her kids.
Liliana, affectionately known as “Lili,” is remembered as “the shining light in our family,” the fundraiser reads. “She brought joy to everyone she met and will forever live on in our hearts.”
Resources for Those in Crisis
The heartbreaking event has also renewed conversations about mental health and suicide prevention in Oregon. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can call or text 988, text “STRENGTH” to 741741, or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support 24/7.
As the Portland community grieves, the family says they hope sharing their story will remind others to check in on loved ones — and to never take moments of connection for granted.
