In the North Tabor neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, on the morning of May 24, 2023, the life of Jessie Lavell Marks Sr., a 36-year-old Black/African American man, was tragically cut short. At approximately 9:18 a.m., Portland Police Bureau officers from the East Precinct were dispatched to the 5500 block of Northeast Glisan Street following reports of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they discovered Mr. Marks deceased at the scene.
The area was quickly secured, and Northeast Glisan Street was closed for several blocks as the Homicide Unit began its investigation into the fatal incident.
The initial investigation at the scene did not yield immediate suspects, and no arrests were made in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. The Medical Examiner's office later confirmed that Jessie Lavell Marks Sr. died from a gunshot wound and ruled his death a homicide. In the days that followed, his family was notified and, while requesting privacy, provided a photograph of him for public release. The case remained an active investigation, with detectives appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the person or persons responsible for his death.
For over a year, the case continued to be investigated by the Portland Police Bureau's Homicide Unit. Then, on Thursday, August 29, 2024, a significant development occurred. With the assistance of the Special Emergency Reaction Team and U.S. Marshals, detectives arrested a suspect. Alexander E. Warren, 35, of Portland, was taken into custody in the 7100 block of Southeast Division Street. Following his arrest, Warren was lodged at the Multnomah County Detention Center. He faces charges of Murder in the Second Degree and Felon in Possession of a Firearm in connection with the death of Jessie Lavell Marks Sr. The family of Mr. Marks was notified of the arrest, marking a long-awaited step towards justice.
