On a Tuesday afternoon, March 9, 2021, a fatal encounter unfolded on a sidewalk near Dawson Park in North Portland. Titus L. McNack, a 42-year-old Black / African American man, was shot and killed following a physical altercation. The incident occurred at approximately 2:25 p.m. near North Williams Avenue and Stanton Street, in the city's Eliot neighborhood. McNack was found on the sidewalk and, despite the arrival of emergency responders, he did not survive his injuries.
The Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office later confirmed that he died from a gunshot wound and officially ruled his death a homicide.
According to McNack's aunt, her nephew had been at the park for only about ten minutes before the deadly confrontation began. An individual reportedly approached McNack, leading to a physical fight where punches were exchanged. During this struggle, a gun was fired, striking McNack. The shooting took place in a public park where numerous people were present, yet many left the scene before police could arrive. Homicide detectives believe these individuals may hold crucial information about the events that transpired.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the investigation into Titus McNack's death has been met with significant challenges. A primary obstacle has been the lack of cooperation from witnesses, a fact his family has publicly lamented. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the homicide, and authorities have not released any information about a potential suspect or suspects. The case remains unsolved, and the Portland Police Bureau continues to ask for the public's help, urging anyone with information to come forward.
