Here’s why homicide detectives, investigators and patrol officers were called to three separate crime scenes in Madison South, Powellhurst‑Gilbert and Hazelwood this week …
Police converge at three major crime scenes in outer East Portland, drawing homicide detectives, investigators and patrol officers to Madison South, Powellhurst‑Gilbert and Hazelwood.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Three separate crime scenes in outer East Portland neighborhoods over six days drew homicide detectives, a mobile command unit and more than a dozen officers and investigators who worked on cases in Madison South, Powellhurst-Gilbert and Hazelwood.
One man died after a shooting on Rocky Butte, detectives opened a suspicious death investigation in a Powellhurst-Gilbert home, and dozens of gunshots left a Hazelwood residential street littered with casings and broken glass as the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) responded across East Precinct.
June 13, 3:29 a.m.
Rocky Butte Park homicide investigated in Madison South
Police cruisers seal off NE Rocky Butte Road as officers and homicide detectives investigate the deadly Rocky Butte Park shooting.
On Saturday, June 13 at 3:29 a.m., PPB East Precinct officers responded to reports that someone had been shot in Rocky Butte Park, in the 3200 block of NE Rocky Butte Road in the Madison South neighborhood. When officers arrived, they found an adult male with life-threatening injuries. Medical personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but the victim died at the scene.
Officers detained one man near the scene and began investigating whether he was involved.
Police remain posted along NE Rocky Butte Road into the morning hours as detectives continue processing the Rocky Butte Park homicide scene.
Detectives from the PPB Homicide Unit came to the park and took over the case. During their on-scene work, which continued until about noon, NE Rocky Butte Road was closed at both park entrances, with officers escorting residents through the closure to reach homes inside the affected area.
Investigators believed that additional witnesses had been present when the shooting occurred but left the park before speaking with officers. Detectives urged those witnesses to come forward so they could develop a clearer picture of what unfolded.
Officials identify this man as the victim in the Rocky Butte Park shooting that homicide detectives continue to investigate. Family-provided photo
In a June 15 update, PPB identified the victim as 20-year-old Alberto Ramos‑Velazquez of Salem. The Medical Examiner determined he died of homicide by gunshot wound.
It was also revealed at that time that the man who had been detained near the scene was ultimately released, and no arrests had been made.
Detectives continued to believe numerous people were present during the shooting but left without providing statements. Anyone with information who had not already spoken with police was asked to submit a tip online through PPB’s homicide tip form [CLICK HERE] or call 503‑823‑0479 and reference Case No. 26‑171254.
June 16, 4:36 p.m.
Suspicious death in Powellhurst‑Gilbert triggers investigation
Detectives confer during the investigation on SE Pardee Street as they work to learn more about the suspicious death inside the house.
On Tuesday, June 16, at 4:36 p.m., PPB East Precinct officers responded to a reported death at a residence in the 11900 Block of SE Pardee Street in the Powellhurst‑Gilbert neighborhood.
When officers arrived, they confirmed that a person was deceased and that the circumstances around the death were suspicious.
A PPB criminalist catalogs evidence found inside the SE Pardee Street residence as detectives probe the suspicious death.
The PPB Homicide Unit responded to the house to investigate. The cause and manner of death were still being determined by the Medical Examiner and had not yet been made public.
While detectives processed the scene, traffic on SE Pardee Street between SE 118th Avenue and SE 120th Avenue was shut down, with officers maintaining a perimeter.
People who may be only tangentially involved talk with officers at the perimeter of the suspicious death scene.
At the location, the PPB’s older Mobile Command Unit was parked near the scene as detectives worked inside and around the house. Officers spoke with people who came to the perimeter, taking statements as they tried to learn more about what had happened there.
If you have information about this case and have not already talked with officers, submit a tip online [CLICK HERE] or call 503‑823‑0479, referencing Case No. 26‑174935.
East Portland News requested an update from the PPB, but no additional information had been released as of press time.
June 18, 10:41 a.m.
Hazelwood street littered shells after shootout
Police tape marks the boundary of the SE 143rd Avenue shooting scene as investigators document shell casings and vehicle damage. Courtesy KATU-TV 2 NEWS
A (so far) non‑injury shooting left a Hazelwood block strewn with shell casings and vehicle damage.
Just after 10:40 a.m. on Thursday, June 18, PPB East Precinct officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 100 Block of SE 143rd Avenue at SE Pine Court in the Hazelwood neighborhood. The location corresponds to the short stub of SE Pine Street between SE Stark Street and East Burnside Street.
Officers and investigators arrived to find a residential street littered with spent bullet shell casings, with blown‑out vehicle windows and bullet damage to property. In all, about 15 officers and PPB staff responded to the dispatch as neighbors stepped outside to assess the damage and check on one another.
Yellow evidence markers — dozens of them placed by officers — pinpoint the locations of spent bullet shell casings along SE 143rd Avenue. Courtesy KATU-TV 2 NEWS
PPB Public Information Officer Sergeant Kevin Allen told East Portland News that officers were investigating a non‑injury shooting at that location.
He confirmed that there was evidence of gunfire and property damage from bullet strikes, and reported that detectives had been called in to investigate the case further. Allen noted that, at this early stage of the investigation, no injuries were reported and no arrests had been made, with additional information still pending from detectives.
Throughout the day, officers canvass the neighborhood, looking for more evidence or witnesses who heard or saw the shooting. Courtesy KATU-TV 2 NEWS
Anyone with information about the Hazelwood shooting was asked to contact the PPB, referencing Case No. 26‑176774, and provide any video, photos or details that could help detectives track down those responsible.
© 2026 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
