Do you know who killed Alaijo Shaune Johnson in 1996? On the warm evening of August 31, 1996, Alaijo Shaune Johnson, a 17-year-old African-American male, was enjoying a quiet conversation with his girlfriend on the front porch of a residence at 3950 NE Garfield in Portland. They had been there for about an hour and a half when their peaceful evening was shattered. Shortly after 11:30 pm, an unknown individual approached the couple from behind.
A sudden noise alerted them, and as Johnson's girlfriend turned, she saw a person who immediately began shooting. Alaijo was struck multiple times and tragically succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
In the aftermath of the shooting, investigators learned that despite a number of recent gang-related shootings in the area, Alaijo was not a gang member. He was a student at Jefferson High School, on the cusp of his senior year, and had friends associated with both the Crips and Bloods. He had no criminal record. The investigation was hampered by a lack of witnesses who were willing to come forward. It was reported that several people had been gathered on the porch of a vacant duplex directly across the street, but they scattered after the shots were fired, and none admitted to having seen the incident.
The only description of a possible suspect came from a neighbor who, after hearing the gunshots, looked out their window. This neighbor saw a light-skinned African-American male, estimated to be between 14 and 15 years old in 1996, standing about 5'5" to 5'8" tall and wearing dark clothing. The individual was seen retrieving a black bicycle and quickly leaving the area. To date, no arrests have been made in the case, and the identity of the person or persons responsible for Alaijo Johnson's death remains unknown. The case is still considered a cold case, with authorities continuing to seek information from the public that could lead to an arrest.
