In the early morning hours of Saturday, February 4, 2023, tragedy struck in a Southeast Portland parking lot, forever altering the lives of a local family. Twenty-year-old Tyz’Juan James, a Black male, was found shot in a parking lot near the intersection of Southeast 112th Avenue and Division Street. Police and emergency services responded to a call of a shooting at approximately 2:06 a.m. and, upon arrival, discovered James deceased at the scene.
The suspect, or suspects, had already fled the location before authorities arrived. The medical examiner would later confirm that James' death was a homicide caused by a gunshot wound.
The investigation into the death of Tyz’Juan James was immediately taken over by the Portland Police Bureau's homicide unit. As of now, the investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not publicly identified any suspects or made any arrests in connection with the case. Police have appealed to the public for any information that might lead to a breakthrough in the case, providing contact information for the detectives assigned. The case remains unsolved, leaving a void in the community and a family desperate for answers. There have been unconfirmed reports from family members that someone may have claimed responsibility for the shooting and spoken with police, but was not taken into custody.
Tyz’Juan James's family and loved ones remember him as a man with a generous and caring spirit. His family, including his sister and grandmother, have voiced their frustration over the lack of progress and communication from law enforcement regarding the investigation. Described as a social butterfly who always had a story to tell, James was known for his love of fashion, basketball, and music. He was also deeply committed to his community, particularly in his support for the homeless, a passion he shared with his grandmother from a young age. His girlfriend highlighted his unique way of expressing his love for everyone he met, and his sister remembered him as a gentle soul and her personal protector. This tragic event marked the city of Portland's sixth homicide of the year, contributing to the ongoing concerns about gun violence in the area.
