Who killed 36 year old Gary Pearson in 1986? In the late hours of a summer night in Portland, Oregon, a dispute turned deadly, forever altering the lives of those involved. Just after midnight on August 21, 1986, Gary Pearson, a 36-year-old Native American man, found himself in a heated argument with another individual. The verbal altercation took place amidst a group of people outside the 214 Tavern, located on W Burnside Street.
The disagreement tragically escalated, and Pearson was stabbed multiple times.
He was rushed to a local hospital for treatment of his severe injuries. For weeks, he fought for his life, but ultimately succumbed to his wounds on September 15, 1986. Pearson was known to be a transient who struggled with alcoholism.
The primary suspect in the stabbing was described as an unidentified Hispanic male, estimated to be between 18 and 22 years of age at the time. He was said to have a medium build and stand at approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall. Like Pearson, the suspect was also believed to be living a transient lifestyle. Despite the presence of witnesses, no arrests have ever been made in connection with Gary Pearson's murder, and the case remains an unsolved cold case. Investigators continue to seek information that could lead to the identification and apprehension of the person responsible for his death.
