PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — No suspects have yet been identified after 2 men were shot to death in the Centennial neighborhood of Portland in the early hours of Sunday, police said.
When police responded to the residential scene in the 16600 block of SE Naegeli Drive they found one man dead at that spot. Investigators said they found another man dead blocks away in the 17100 block of SE Naegeli.
But KOIN 6 News footage showed emergency responders in the 17100 block of SE Powell.
The fact the shooter has not been found is a major concern for neighbors. With a shooting range nearby, most have become immune to the rapid succession of shots heard throughout the neighborhood.
But when the shots went off outside Renieta Hill’s apartment in the early hours of Sunday, she said she immediately knew they were not practice rounds.
Hill lives behind the shopping center taped off by police during the investigation. KOIN 6 News video showed several cars struck by bullets.
“Multiple gunshots. I was watching my favorite show and had to pause it. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing and I just made my children get down on the ground. For about an hour we laid there just to make sure it was cool,” she told KOIN 6 News. “Came out here and seen that the police were out here. I just couldn’t believe it was so close to home.”
She said she now plans to move out of the neighborhood.
“I’ve been keeping my door locked. I tell my kids, ‘We ain’t going out, we’re not playing in the neighborhood today,’ because as long as they’re at large I know my safety is in jeopardy, as well as my children,” Hill told KOIN 6 News. “It’s terrifying. We were just thinking about moving but this definitely solidified for us. We’ll be getting out of here quite soon.”
Neither victim has been publicly identified.
During the initial phase of the investigation, authorities closed SE Naegeli Drive between Powell Boulevard and 174th.
“I’m praying for the family. My heart goes out,” Hill said. “This is a terrible thing that happens way too often, and I just hate that it happened in my community. My heart just goes out for the family.”
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Detective Brad Clifton at Brad.Clifton@police.portlandoregon.gov or 503.823.0696, or Detective Tony Harris at tony.harris@police.portlandoregon.gov or 503.823.0441. The case number is 23-111647.