On a warm evening on June 18, 2020, 23-year-old Hispanic female Evelin Navarro Barajas was enjoying time with friends in a parking lot in Northeast Portland, Oregon. The group, which included children, had gathered near the intersection of Northeast Killingsworth Street and Cully Boulevard after Evelin had spent the afternoon at the river. As midnight approached, the peaceful gathering was shattered by an eruption of violence.
A vehicle pulled up nearby, and at least one person got out and fired multiple shots into the crowd.
In the chaos that followed, Evelin was struck by the gunfire and pronounced dead at the scene. Another person in her group, an unidentified man, was also shot but sustained non-life-threatening injuries and survived. Homicide detectives were called to investigate the shooting, which occurred around 11:49 p.m. Family members described Evelin as a beautiful soul with a big heart who often went out of her way to help the homeless community. They were left heartbroken, seeking answers and justice for her senseless killing.
Despite the ongoing investigation, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified in connection with the murder. Law enforcement officials believe the shooting was gang-motivated. However, they have stated that there is no indication that Evelin or her friends had any affiliation with gangs, leading them to believe she was an innocent victim of the violence. In an effort to generate new leads, the case has been highlighted by Crime Stoppers of Oregon, and the FBI has offered a substantial reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for her death. The case remains an unsolved homicide, leaving a void in the lives of her family who remember her as the energetic life of the party.
