Centennial ‘horror house’ murder suspect arrested

See who officials accuse in a grisly stabbing death, and why they’re still asking for the community’s help …

At this house – neighbors call it their street’s “horror house” because of unsavory activities, trash in the yard, and no utilities – a man was stabbed, and died of his wounds.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Not long ago, East Portland News brought you the story about the stabbing death of 44-year-old Victor “Todd” Howell on the morning of April 6 – a violent incident suspected to have taken place at 14630 SE Caruthers Street, in the Centennial neighborhood.

> Read coverage of this event that reportedly took place in, or near what neighbors called the “horror house”: CLICK HERE.

On Thursday evening, April 24, Portland Police Bureau (PPB) Homicide Bureau detectives arrested a man in connection Howell’s death, according to the Bureau’s Public Information Officer, Sgt. Pete Simpson.
“Homicide detectives responded to the hospital and began a homicide investigation after Howell died in the Adventist Medical Center Emergency Department,” Simpson said. “Detectives served a search warrant at that residence, and believe that it is the location of the stabbing.

Police accuse this man, 41-year-old Shawn Michael Sanchez, of both burglary – and murder. MCDC booking photo

“During the course of the investigation, detectives learned the name of their suspect, 41-year-old Shawn Michael Sanchez, and developed probable cause to arrest him for murder,” reported Simpson.

Records show that Sanchez was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) on April 25 at 2:52 a.m. on charges of Murder and Burglary in the First Degree – both Class A felonies.

Bail for the Burglary charge is set at $50,000; but Sanchez is being held without bail on the Murder charge at MCDC.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Molly Daul at (503) 823-0991, molly.daul@portlandoregon.gov; or, Detective Rico Beniga at (503) 823-0457, rico.beniga@portlandoregon.gov.

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