Noah Yamya Terry was a compassionate and light-hearted young man known for greeting people with his arms spread wide, an open expression of love and affection. The 22-year-old Hispanic man from Portland, Oregon, was born on August 2, 1998, the second son to Kristin and Tracy Terry. He was remembered as a sweet, funny, and observant child who would wave at passersby just to make them feel acknowledged.
As he grew, Noah became a thoughtful adult who cared deeply for others and would not hesitate to offer his support or even his home to someone in need. A natural athlete, he excelled in sports and had a true passion for football, a game he played and loved throughout his entire life. Friends and family saw him as a natural-born leader, beloved for his compassion and his deep love for life.
On October 24, 2020, Noah’s life was cut short by gun violence in his hometown of Portland. His death was investigated as a homicide, a loss that his family described as overwhelming. In the wake of the killing, his family retained a victim's attorney to help them navigate the legal process while they mourned.
The Portland Police Department conducted an investigation into Noah's death that led to a significant development. In December 2020, police identified and arrested a suspect in connection with the homicide. This arrest brought hope that the person responsible for Noah’s death would be brought to justice.
However, the following month, in January 2021, the case against the arrested individual was presented to a Multnomah County grand jury. After reviewing the evidence, the grand jury returned a "not true bill," meaning they found insufficient cause to proceed with a trial. As a result, all charges against the suspect were dropped. No one else has since been charged or convicted in the case. As of January 2021, the homicide of Noah Terry remains unsolved.
