Arrest Made in Beaverton
BEAVERTON, Ore. (KPTV) — U.S. Marshals have arrested the second suspect connected to the tragic shooting death of 13-year-old Liam Spahnle-Bailey in Gresham. Officials confirmed that Xavier Romello Hirsch was taken into custody Friday in Beaverton with assistance from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Beaverton Police Department.
Hirsch had been wanted alongside Anthony Hunter Jr. and 16-year-old Terrell Coy in connection with the April 27 shooting that killed Spahnle-Bailey as he slept in his bed.
The April Shooting
The deadly incident occurred when gunfire from a neighboring apartment pierced a wall and struck Liam while he was asleep. The bullet fatally wounded the boy, shocking the Gresham community and prompting an intensive months-long investigation.
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According to police, the shooting was not targeted at the victim, but rather the result of reckless gunfire during an altercation in the adjacent unit. Authorities say the case highlights the devastating consequences of illegal firearm use and the growing concern over gun violence in Oregon’s neighborhoods.
First Arrest and Ongoing Search
The first suspect, Anthony Hunter Jr., was apprehended on September 9 at a home in northeast Portland. His arrest followed several weeks of surveillance and cooperation among multiple law enforcement agencies, including Gresham Police, the U.S. Marshals Service, and Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
With Hirsch now in custody, authorities continue to search for Terrell Coy, the third suspect and the only one who is a minor. Coy, age 16, remains at large, and police believe he may be hiding in the Portland metro area or potentially out of state.
Rewards and Public Assistance
Law enforcement officials are urging the public to help locate Coy. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest, while Gresham Police had previously offered $15,000 for tips that result in the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Liam’s death.
Police are asking anyone with information about Coy’s whereabouts to come forward. You can contact Gresham Police detectives via email at:
You can also call the department’s tiplines at 503-618-2719 or 1-888-989-3505, or submit an anonymous tip online through Crime Stoppers.
Authorities stress that anyone who spots Coy should not approach him but instead contact police immediately.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Grief
The killing of 13-year-old Liam Spahnle-Bailey has left a lasting impact on the Gresham community. Neighbors, friends, and family have described Liam as a bright and kind-hearted boy with a passion for music and sports. In the days following his death, vigils and memorials were held near his home to honor his memory.
“This tragedy should never have happened,” Gresham Police Chief Travis Gullberg said earlier this year. “A young life was taken due to carelessness and violence that has no place in our city.”
Community leaders have since renewed calls for stronger efforts to curb youth access to guns and improve intervention programs for at-risk teens.
Next Steps in the Case
With Hirsch’s arrest, prosecutors are expected to pursue additional charges as the investigation continues. Both Hirsch and Hunter are currently being held in custody while awaiting trial.
Meanwhile, authorities remain determined to bring all suspects to justice. “We’re not going to stop until everyone responsible is held accountable,” said a U.S. Marshals spokesperson.
Anyone with information about Terrell Coy’s location is urged to contact law enforcement. Even the smallest tip, investigators say, could help close this heartbreaking case and bring Liam’s family one step closer to justice.
