In the late hours of a Friday night in Portland, Oregon, tragedy struck at the intersection of Northwest 17th Avenue and Northwest Irving Street. On April 28, 2023, at approximately 11:23 p.m., the sound of gunfire shattered the city's peace, leaving two people injured and a family forever changed. When Central Precinct officers arrived at the scene, they found a man and a woman suffering from gunshot wounds. The man, identified as 55-year-old James R.
Rodgers Jr., had sustained life-threatening injuries.
Officers immediately began administering trauma first aid and CPR in a desperate attempt to save his life. Paramedics arrived shortly after and continued life-saving measures, but Rodgers' injuries were too severe, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The female victim was transported to a local hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening and was later released. The person or persons responsible for the shooting had fled before police arrived, and no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
The medical examiner later confirmed that James R. Rodgers Jr., a Black / African American male, died from a gunshot wound, ruling his death a homicide. His family, who described him as an excellent writer and artist, was left shocked and heartbroken, pleading for answers and justice. Rodgers, the oldest of five siblings, had lived in Portland for 41 years and was a loving father to his daughter, Whitney. The investigation into his death remains open and active, with Portland Police Homicide Unit detectives urging anyone with information to come forward.
