Who killed 21 year old Jason Williams in 2001? On the early morning of October 14, 2001, a tragic event unfolded that cut short the life of Jason Williams, a 21-year-old African-American man. He and his girlfriend were taking a walk along the sidewalk in the 100 block of North Sumner Avenue in Portland, Oregon. At approximately 12:47 a.m., their path was crossed by an unknown man who abruptly approached them with the intent to rob them.
The stranger demanded money, but Williams resisted the demand.
In a swift and violent response, the assailant pushed him back and fired a single shot. The gunman, described as an African-American male over six feet tall, was wearing a black jacket, dark pants, and a beanie hat. After the shooting, he fled the scene, leaving a devastating and unresolved crime in his wake.
Jason Williams was known as a pleasant and hardworking individual. Authorities have stated that he had no known involvement with gangs or drugs, leading to the heartbreaking possibility that he was a victim of mistaken identity. Despite the passage of time, his case remains an open and active investigation within the Cold Case Homicide Unit. No arrests have ever been made, and the suspect remains at large, his identity a mystery. The city continues to seek information from the public, hoping for a lead that might finally bring a measure of justice for Jason and his loved ones.
