In the Centennial neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, a dispute inside a local bar on the evening of February 2, 2024, tragically cut short the life of Montrell D. Goss, a 37-year-old Black / African American man. Goss, a celebrated children's book author and a positive figure in his community, was fatally wounded following an altercation that escalated to gunfire.
The incident occurred at the Lariat Lounge on Southeast Division Street, a place that would become the final chapter in a life dedicated to storytelling and uplifting youth.
The sequence of events began with a heated argument between Goss and another man inside the establishment. Following this initial confrontation, Goss reportedly stepped outside and went to his vehicle, where he retrieved a firearm. Upon his return to the bar, a second confrontation occurred, and during this exchange, shots were fired. Police were dispatched to the scene at approximately 8:05 p.m., where they discovered Goss inside, suffering from injuries. Officers administered trauma first aid until paramedics arrived and transported him to a local hospital. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Goss succumbed to a gunshot wound hours later. The Medical Examiner later ruled his death a homicide.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the investigation has been a collaborative effort involving multiple divisions of the Portland Police Bureau and the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office. The other man involved in the altercation remained at the scene and has been cooperating with authorities. Investigators recovered two firearms from the location. As of now, no arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed in connection with the shooting. Authorities have stated that all evidence gathered during the ongoing investigation will be presented to a Grand Jury for review. The community has been left to mourn the loss of Goss, who was known for his series of books featuring a misunderstood coyote and for his dedication to promoting literacy among children.
