In the early hours of April 23, 2022, a tragic event unfolded in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood of Southeast Portland, Oregon, leading to the death of 52-year-old Hispanic male, Jose Monroy Castaneda. A father of four, Castaneda was reportedly out for a walk when he was fatally shot near the intersection of Southeast 136th Avenue and Powell Boulevard.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 1:12 a.m., prompted an immediate response from the Portland Police Bureau's East Precinct officers who were on patrol in the area.
Upon their arrival, officers discovered Castaneda with gunshot wounds. Despite the prompt arrival of medical crews and their life-saving efforts, his injuries proved to be fatal, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office later conducted an autopsy and officially ruled the cause of death as a homicide by gunshot. His family, who described him as a beloved father, was notified of the devastating loss.
The Portland Police Bureau's Homicide Unit launched a full investigation into the shooting. Detectives canvassed the area for evidence and potential witnesses, appealing to the public for any information that might lead to the identification and apprehension of the person or persons responsible. At the time of the incident and in the days that followed, authorities confirmed that no arrests had been made, and no suspect information was released to the public.
As of late 2023, the investigation into the murder of Jose Monroy Castaneda remains active and ongoing. No suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been announced in connection with the case. Law enforcement officials continue to seek assistance from the community, and Crime Stoppers of Oregon has offered a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. The case stands as an unsolved homicide, leaving a family and a community searching for answers and justice.
