PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Reese McDowell Lawhon, a “kind and dedicated” taxi driver for Radio Cab for more than a decade, was publicly identified as the victim in a fatal stabbing.
Lawhon, 43, was killed in Southeast Portland early Easter evening. He had picked up a customer in downtown Portland before the incident unfolded around 6:40 p.m. near Southeast Washington Street and Southeast Water Avenue.
An autopsy confirmed his death as a homicide by stabbing, officials said. Radio Cab said they’ve seen cab surveillance of the stabbing and told KOIN 6 News there was no provocation or fight before, saying the person who stabbed Lawhon did so unexpectedly.
In a statement, his family said:
Reese was the most caring, witty, loving son, brother, uncle and dear friend you could possibly imagine having. He had the best gift of making people laugh and smile, and his attention was constantly fought over by his six very young nieces and nephews with whom he could never get enough of. Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, his immediate family consists of two amazing parents and two younger sisters while his extended family is full of the tightest knit group of longtime friends that gather regularly in Portland to celebrate each other. Both families are in extreme grievance at this time. The Lawhon family would like to thank the Portland police department, the EMTs that were on the scene, Radio Cab and the DA’s office for all performing their jobs seamlessly. Please respect the family’s need for privacy as they navigate this unimaginable road together to remember Reese McDowell Lawhon.
Moses Lopez, 30, is facing second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon charges. Court records show he has an active felony warrant out of Coos County for alleged unlawful use of a weapon and menacing.
Investigators said Tuesday neither Lawhon nor Lopez were associated with any homeless camps in the nearby area.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact PPB Detective Shaye Samora at 503.823.0768 or by email at shaye.samora@police.portlandoregon.gov; or Detective Tony Harris at 503.823.0441 or by email at tony.harris@police.portlandoregon.gov.