Who killed Joseph Murawski in 1986? In the spring of 1986, the life of Joseph Murawski, a 79-year-old retired businessman, was irrevocably altered by a violent encounter that would ultimately lead to his death. On May 6th, a concerned neighbor alerted Portland Police to suspicious activity at an apartment located at 4066 NE Grand Ave. When officers arrived, they found Murawski, who had been the victim of a brutal assault.
He recounted a harrowing story that began the previous day with a burglary at his own home.
Two individuals, a man and a woman, had approached him with a deceptive offer. They claimed they could return his stolen property for the sum of $50. Murawski, perhaps holding out hope for the recovery of his belongings, gave them a down payment. However, his trust only extended so far, and he rightfully refused to hand over the rest of the money without seeing his possessions. The pair then persuaded him to accompany them to the Grand Avenue apartment under the pretense of retrieving his items.
Once inside the apartment, the situation took a violent turn. Murawski was struck from behind, falling to the floor helpless. His assailants then began to viciously kick him as he lay on the ground, robbing him of his belongings before fleeing the scene. He was able to provide descriptions of his attackers to the police. He described the male suspect as an African-American in his late 20s or early 30s, with a light complexion and a mustache, weighing between 180 and 190 pounds. The female suspect was also described as African-American, in her late 20s or early 30s, with a medium build, about 140 to 150 pounds, and short, natural hair.
The investigation into the assault revealed that Murawski was known in his neighborhood for his generosity, often giving money to people based on the stories they told him. This kindness, tragically, may have made him a target. As a direct result of the severe beating he endured, Murawski was hospitalized. While under medical care, he suffered a brain hemorrhage and slipped into a state of unconsciousness from which he would never recover. Approximately eight weeks after the assault, Joseph Murawski succumbed to his injuries. The medical examiner later confirmed that his death was a direct result of the beating he received during the robbery. The case remains unsolved, and no arrests have ever been made in connection with his murder.
