Do you know who murdered Victor Smith in 1986? On the morning of May 5, 1986, the quiet of the Columbia Slough in Portland, Oregon, was broken by a grim discovery. An employee of a warehouse in the 2800 block of NE Argyle Street happened upon a deceased individual near the water's edge at approximately 6:35 a.m. The victim was identified as Victor Smith, a 32-year-old Caucasian male, originally from Spokane, Washington.
The scene that confronted police officers was horrific; Smith had been shot and then set on fire.
Investigators learned that Smith's life had a troubled side. He had previous encounters with law enforcement related to theft and burglary and was known to use methamphetamines. It was also believed that he might have been in possession of firearms. His reason for being in Portland was part of a criminal enterprise; he was there with a stolen semi-truck, intending to sell the vehicle's stolen parts.
The investigation into Smith's murder revealed that he was not alone in the time leading up to his death. He was reportedly in the company of another white male, estimated to be around 30 years old, shortly before he was killed. This individual remains the only known suspect in the case.
Despite the passage of time, Victor Smith's murder remains an unsolved cold case. No arrests have ever been made, and the identity of the man last seen with him is still a mystery. Authorities continue to seek information that could lead to a breakthrough and bring closure to the violent end of a life enmeshed in the criminal underworld.
