Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story was not clear on the statistics. This version has been updated with more information.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland is on pace for a record number of homicides in 2021. Most of them remain open and active without an arrest so far.
Case information obtained from the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office shows that in a majority of the cases an arrest has not been made, and many do not have suspects.
Between June 25 and August 20 there were 14 homicides in Portland. In the year to date through August 22 there were 60 homicides in Portland. Information from the Portland Police Bureau shows 20 cases “cleared by arrest,” and 3 more cases have a known suspect but no arrest yet has been made.
PPB officials said other cases “are in warrant status, currently in Grand Jury review or pending” action from the grand jury.
“Relatively few cases have an immediate arrest,” Sgt. Kevin Allen told KOIN 6 News. “It can take days, months, even years of meticulous work to get enough to take to court. But over time, more cases get cleared.”