On November 21, 2023, at approximately 10 p.m., Portland Police officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 4700 block of Northeast 62nd Avenue in the Cully neighborhood. Upon arrival, they discovered 33-year-old Portland resident Eric Bankhead deceased at the scene. The Medical Examiner later confirmed that Bankhead died from a gunshot wound, ruling his death a homicide.
Following the incident, the suspect or suspects had fled, and no immediate arrests were made.
The Portland Police Bureau's Homicide Unit initiated an investigation, seeking information from the public to aid in identifying those responsible.
On January 8, 2024, authorities arrested 35-year-old Steven Joseph Bricker in connection with Bankhead's death. Bricker was charged with second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and felon in possession of a firearm. He was arraigned the following day, entering a plea of not guilty, and remains in custody pending trial.
The arrest brought some measure of closure to Bankhead's family, who had been notified of the development. The Portland Police Bureau continues to encourage anyone with additional information related to the case or Bricker to contact their detectives, referencing case number 23-302936.
