Learn why neighbors report that this outer East Portland house in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood has been a trouble spot …
SE Harold Street is closed off by police at SE 122nd Avenue, while a murder investigation gets underway.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Drugs and violence often bring Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers to houses on SE Harold Street, a half-block east of SE 122nd Avenue, said neighbor Tina Perkins – after learning that a man had been killed there on the evening of July 1.
“Police are here in this area two or three times a month,” Perkins told reporters, as she stood near the yellow tape blocking off the street that evening. “I saw police earlier today, and now, again tonight – twice in one day,” she said, adding that she believes drug activity is to blame for the police service calls.
Detectives focus on this house as their murder investigation gets underway.
“At 9:20 p.m. that evening, East Precinct officers responded to the report of gunfire called in to the 9-1-1 Center in the 12200 block of SE Harold Street,” later remarked PPB Public Information Officer Sgt. Chris Burley.
When officers arrived at the residence where the victim was reportedly to be found, they made sure it was safe for emergency medical personnel to enter. Portland Fire & Rescue Station 29’s Engine Company paramedics began lifesaving efforts, before turning the victim over to an ambulance crew.
Officers and detectives discuss the evidence they’ve found, and the information gained from witnesses.
“Emergency medical responders continued providing the victim medical aid while being transported to an area hospital by ambulance, but he died before arriving,” Burley said. “Officers have searched the area for suspects associated with this shooting, and at this time none have been located. No suspect descriptions are being provided to the public at this time.”
An officer hands evidence to a detective, working inside the PPB Mobile Precinct.
The PPB Detective Division’s Homicide Detail began an investigation that lasted long into the night.
“The deceased victim has been identified as 37-year-old Billy R Mayfield,” Burley revealed the following day. “The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office determined Mayfield died of homicidal violence.” Detective Vince Cui,
Those with information about the untimely death of Billy R. Mayfield, shown here, are asked to call Homicide Detail detectives. Oregon DMV image
Those with information about this investigation are asked to contact Homicide Detail Detective Vince Cui at 503-823-0449, or Vince.Cui@portlandoregon.gov.
© 2018 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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