PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — It’s every parent’s nightmare, and Jerry Rosen never thought it would become a reality.
“Now we’re here,” Jerry said, “I’m speaking into cameras right now, and I never thought I’d be doing this.”
Hours after traveling from his Southern California home, Jerry, along with his wife and daughter, stood at a podium at Portland Police headquarters and pleaded for answers in the murder of his 30-year-old son, Barak.
Most of all, Jerry said the family wants justice.
“Please help us find a killer,” Jerry said. “To me (this was) a cowardly act, and he was the nicest guy. He didn’t deserve this.”
Police said Barak was found dead on the track at the temporary Grant High School location in Southeast Portland at 4:42 a.m. on Sunday. He had multiple gunshot wounds. After an autopsy, a medical examiner declared the wounds were evidence of “homicidal violence.”
There are no suspects at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
A detective with Portland Police said there was a shots fired call in the area at around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, though they’re not positive the report and Barak’s death are connected.
Barak moved from Southern California to Portland in December “for a new opportunity,” his family said. He was always moving, whether that meant hiking, mountain biking or just simply being outdoors. His family said he loved the area.
Still, despite leaving home, Barak kept family close. He would call his parents every Sunday and often video chat with his two sisters.
And now, after what Jerry called a “senseless murder,” Barak is gone, leaving the family grieving and hoping for answers.
“He’s the kind of individual that any parent would be proud to have their kids, son or daughter be friends with,” Jerry said. “He was a good guy and he didn’t deserve this.”
Portland Police is asking anyone with information to contact Detective Mark Slater at 503-823-9319.
Crime Stoppers of Oregon is offering a reward up to $2,500 for information on this case. People can submit anonymous tips online here.