On the evening of January 21, 2005, Tameka Rene Hartley, a 25-year-old Black / African American female, was on the front porch of her home at 5904 NE 9th Avenue in Portland, Oregon. What should have been a place of safety and comfort tragically became the scene of her final moments. At approximately 7:15 p.m., a dark-colored, small to mid-sized two-door car was seen driving slowly northbound on 9th Avenue.
Suddenly, the quiet evening was shattered by the sound of gunfire.
Witnesses reported hearing about six shots fired from the passenger side of the vehicle, aimed directly at Ms. Hartley's residence. After the volley of shots, the car was seen speeding away, continuing north on 9th Avenue. Ms. Hartley was struck by a gunshot wound.
Emergency medical personnel rushed to the scene and transported her to a local hospital. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Tameka Rene Hartley succumbed to her injuries and died during surgery. The case remains unsolved, a source of ongoing pain for her family and community. No arrests have been made in connection with her murder, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The Portland Police Bureau's Cold Case Homicide Unit continues to seek information from the public, hoping for a lead that might finally bring justice for Tameka.
