A normally quiet neighborhood in Southeast Portland was shaken on Saturday evening after police discovered three people dead inside a home in what investigators are calling a murder-suicide.
The tragedy unfolded around 5 p.m., when officers with the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) responded to a call reporting a possible suicide at a residence on the 7000 block of Southeast 64th Avenue, near Flavel Street in the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood.
A Gruesome Discovery
When officers entered the residence, they were met with a grim scene. Inside, the bodies of one man and two women were found, each with apparent gunshot wounds. Authorities have not yet released their names, but confirmed that the individuals were connected in some way. Police have not clarified whether they were related by family or another type of relationship.
No Ongoing Threat to Community
Within minutes of the discovery, officers secured the perimeter of the home, with multiple police units and crime scene investigators converging on the area. Residents were reassured that there was no ongoing threat to the neighborhood.
“This is an incredibly tragic situation,” said PPB Chief Bob Day, addressing reporters at the scene. “It saddens us deeply when we arrive too late to maybe intervene. Tonight, we’re saddened for the families and the loss. We’re saddened for this community.”
A Neighborhood in Shock
For the people who live nearby, the violent deaths were both shocking and frightening. Many described the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood as typically peaceful and family-oriented, with little history of such violence.
“Our hearts are obviously going to go out to everybody who’s going to be affected by this,” said neighbor Karen Montez. “Crime like this in the neighborhood — it’s not like we need more of that. We need less.”
Others expressed their unease, saying the tragedy has left them feeling unsettled in a community where residents are used to a sense of safety.
Investigation Underway
The exact circumstances surrounding the deaths remain unclear. Detectives with PPB’s Homicide Unit are leading the investigation, which police say is still in its early stages. Evidence is being collected from the home, and investigators are working to reconstruct the series of events that led to the shooting.
Authorities did confirm that they are investigating the case as a murder-suicide, though details about who may have been the shooter have not yet been released. Police are also waiting to notify next of kin before publicly identifying the victims.
PPB spokesperson Mike Benner stressed that investigators are taking their time to ensure accuracy before sharing additional information. “We understand the community wants answers, but this is a delicate and deeply tragic situation. Our priority is supporting the families of the victims and gathering all the facts.”
A Community Grieves
The shocking discovery has left many grappling with grief and fear, especially as Portland continues to confront broader conversations about public safety and rising violence. Mental health advocates and community leaders emphasized the importance of providing support to families and neighbors impacted by tragedies like this one.
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Portland Police Bureau as the investigation continues.