In the early hours of a Sunday morning in Portland, Oregon, a burst of violence shattered the peace and ended a life. Jose Valentin Perez, a 30-year-old Hispanic male, was fatally shot on May 14, 2023. The incident, which also left two other individuals with minor injuries, unfolded in the Cully Neighborhood, specifically in the 6500 block of Northeast Killingsworth Street. First responders arrived at the scene around 3:34 a.m. to find three victims.
Perez was rushed to a local hospital, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The medical examiner later confirmed that he died from a gunshot wound and ruled his death a homicide.
The investigation into the shooting led authorities to identify a suspect. Five months after the fatal incident, a Multnomah County grand jury indicted 33-year-old Jesus Ivan Perez-Toribio on several charges, including second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and second-degree assault. Following the indictment on October 27, 2023, law enforcement sought the public's help in locating Perez-Toribio, releasing his photograph and physical description. He is described as a Hispanic male, standing 5'7" tall and weighing 160 pounds.
As the legal process began to unfold, the family of Jose Valentin Perez was notified of the indictment. They had previously requested privacy while grieving their loss. Perez, a resident of the St. Helens community and a graduate of Madison High School, worked as a laborer in the construction industry. He was a father to two daughters, Anavey and Natalia Perez, and is survived by his parents, several siblings, and other family members. The case remains an active investigation as authorities continue to search for the suspect.
