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What we know about Portland's homicide victims from 2021

90 people were killed in the city of Portland in 2021. These are the victims and what we know about their deaths.

Andrew Dorn, KGW Staff

KGW Staff

Published: 1:01 PM PST November 18, 2021
Updated: 4:13 PM PST February 7, 2022

On Sunday, October 24, Portland passed a grim milestone — a double killing in Old Town made 2021 the deadliest year in the city's modern history. By the end of the year, 90 people had been killed. 

The rise in homicides comes amid a surge in gun violence. Most of Portland's victims were killed by someone with a gun. The city surpassed 1,200 shootings by the end of the year. In 2019, Portland Police reported less than 400.

Since July 2020, the uptick in violence has been rapid and unprecedented. Police cite a lack of resources — fewer patrol officers and overworked homicide detectives can't keep up with the caseload. Others point to long-term underinvestment in historically marginalized communities where much of the violence is concentrated. Some describe an escalating conflict between rival gangs, fueled by fear and retaliation. 

Almost everyone KGW spoke to agreed — the factors that lead to violence have been accelerated, both directly and indirectly, by the coronavirus pandemic.

While city leaders scramble to address the crisis on Portland's streets, families are left to grieve — most have more questions than answers, wondering if justice will ever be served. The majority of this year's homicide cases remain unsolved.

For many victims, the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unclear — casualties of late night, indiscriminate attacks, some with no witnesses at all. 

Others were innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire of an ongoing dispute. 

The following is what we know about the 90 people who were killed in the city of Portland this year.

This list will continue to be updated. If you have a photo of a victim who is unidentified or would like to share more information please email us here

If you have any information about any of the following cases, you can submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Oregon here

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