In the Hazelwood neighborhood of Northeast Portland, a tragedy unfolded on the afternoon of January 16, 2023, forever altering the lives of a local family. Amado Nacho Santos, a 24-year-old Hispanic man, was working his shift as a gas station attendant at a 76 station near the intersection of Northeast 102nd Avenue and Glisan Street. Known to his loved ones as "Nacho," he was a cheerful and loving brother, a cherished son, and a friend to many in his community.
His life, however, was violently cut short in a senseless act of gun violence.
Shortly before 3 p.m., police responded to reports of a shooting at the gas station. Upon arrival, they found Santos suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries. The Medical Examiner would later confirm that Amado Santos died from a gunshot wound and ruled his death a homicide. His family was left heartbroken and in disbelief, struggling to comprehend why someone would target a young man known for his kindness and generosity.
The investigation into Amado's murder is ongoing, and as of now, no arrests have been made. The Portland Police Bureau is still actively searching for the suspect or suspects responsible for this tragic event. Santos's family believes he may have been a victim of mistaken identity. They stated that he was not involved in any gang activity but was wearing a blue bandana on the day of the shooting, which they fear may have led the perpetrator to wrongly associate him with a gang. In the wake of his death, the community came together to create a memorial at the gas station, adorned with flowers, candles, and photos, a testament to the positive impact Nacho had on those who knew him. His family continues to plead for justice, urging anyone with information to come forward and help bring closure to this devastating chapter in their lives.
