In the afternoon of September 24, 2023, a devastating act of violence cut short the life of 16-year-old Alexander Ortiz de Jesus, a Hispanic male from Gresham, Oregon. Near the intersection of Northeast Division Street and Burnside Road, the sound of four gunshots shattered the day. Alexander's mother, Artemia de Jesus Ramirez, was at the family's nearby apartment and heard the shots, soon learning her son was the victim.
He had been shot in the face at very close range.
Emergency services rushed Alexander to the hospital where he remained in critical condition for ten days. His mother stayed tirelessly by his side, a constant vigil of hope against fading odds. The family, including his sister Leticia, grappled with the senselessness of the crime. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Alexander's condition worsened, and he passed away after oxygen ceased to flow to his brain. The family was left heartbroken, struggling to comprehend the loss of a teenager described as happy and smiling, who had simply been walking to his cousin's house.
The Gresham Police Department began an investigation that led to the arrest of a 15-year-old suspect a week after the shooting. Initially, the teen faced charges of attempted murder and assault. Following Alexander's death, these charges were upgraded to murder. Authorities have confirmed they are not seeking any other suspects in connection with the shooting.
In the wake of their profound loss, Alexander's family has publicly expressed their grief and their desire for justice. They have advocated for the teenage suspect to be tried as an adult. While the motive for the shooting has not been released by investigators, Alexander's family does not believe he knew his attacker. His father, Alejandro, while expressing a wish to one day ask the suspect for the reason behind his actions, has stated he holds no malice. The community has rallied around the family, offering support through a GoFundMe page established to help with funeral expenses.
