Police investigate “suspicious” death in Parkrose

UPDATED: Victim identified; police ask for help. Here’s why some are already calling this outer East Portland death a ‘Marx Street murder’ …

Officials haven’t yet called it murder, but police are investigating a death in the Parkrose neighborhood, here on NE Marx Street, that is they’re considering “suspicious”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

It’s unclear who made the discovery of the man, dead in his home at 10908 NE Marx Street, early on June 8, and called the 9-1-1 Center at 1:03 a.m.

But, when Portland Police Bureau (PPB) North Precinct officers arrived, they confirmed the grisly discovery located in this mostly-industrial area of Parkrose, north of the Union Pacific railroad tracks.

“Officers located a deceased adult male inside the residence,” confirmed PPB Public Information Officer Sgt. Chris Burley.

Members of the PPB Forensic Evidence Division, dressed in protective “bunny suits”, head into the house to further the investigation.

In the back of the criminalists’ vehicle, bags filled with evidence have already been gathered.

“A member with the State Medical Examiner’s Office responded; and, based on initial information, determined that the death was suspicious in nature,” Burley said.

Detectives from the PPB Detective Division Homicide Detail responded to begin their investigation; and criminalists with the Forensic Evidence Division were also called in to help gather evidence.

A PPB criminalist, dressed in protective gear, heads back into the house.

“The homeowner really let the place go, and hadn’t been keeping it up,” commented a bystander, Nathan Corkwood, who said he knew the man. “There’s been some unsavory people hanging around; I’m guessing this is murder,” he told East Portland News as he watched the investigation unfold.

On into the daytime, the “suspicious death” investigation continues.

UPDATE

The owner of the house where the “suspicious” death investigation took place, 69-year-old Kenneth J. Okazaki, is identified as the victim, official say. DMV photo

Three days after the death investigation, Burley identified the homicide victim as 69-year-old Kenneth J. Okazaki. “The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office continues to investigate the cause of death and has not determined the cause of death at this time,” Burley said.

Friends or family that had contact with Okazaki in the previous month are asked to contact Portland Police Bureau Detective Division’s Homicide Detail Detective Erik Kammerer at 503-823-0762 or Erik.Kammerer@portlandoregon.gov or Detective Mark Slater at 503-823-9319 or Mark.Slater@portlandoregon.gov

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