FOLLOW-UP | Here’s what will happen to the 12- and 15-year-olds accused of this outer East Portland robbery-murder, just arrested in Vancouver. It might be some time before they’re brought across the Columbia River to face justice …
Portland Police officers, then Homicide Unit detectives, were called to this neighborhood market on December 9 — when a store worker was shot, and died.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
On the rainy evening of December 9, 2025, a Hazelwood neighborhood convenience store employee – 33-year-old Santi Ram Rai – was gunned down inside the 3D’S Market at 1739 SE 139th Avenue, a half-block north of Mill Street.
Read our previous news coverage of this tragic incident, and see the accompanying video: CLICK HERE.
With his family, murder victim Santi Ram Rai posed for a photo at a cultural event. Family provided photo
Although the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) didn’t update the story after revealing the murder victim, their Homicide Unit detectives were quietly busy pursuing investigative leads.
Through their efforts, detectives identified two suspects in the killing, who were found in Vancouver, Washington. Startlingly, they were youngsters; one was not even a teenager.
In December, officers continued this shooting murder investigation in the Hazelwood neighborhood.
On Wednesday, January 14, with assistance from the Vancouver Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit and Clark County Regional SWAT, detectives arrested a 12-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy in the area of NE 112th Avenue and 49th Street – east of the Interstate 205 Freeway, and south of SR 500.
The two juveniles were transported to the Robert L. Harris Juvenile Justice Center in Vancouver:
The 12-year-old was lodged on the following charges: Murder in the First Degree, Robbery in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.
The 15-year-old was lodged on the following charges: Murder in the Second Degree, Robbery in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.
In addition, both juveniles were detained on the following charges in connection to their criminal behavior in the Vancouver area: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (two counts), Possession of a Stolen Firearm, and Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle.
Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Communications Director Pat Dooris gives details about the juvenile justice system. Courtesy LinkedIn
On January 15, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Communications Director Pat Dooris helped us understand – in a question-and-answer session – what’s next for the teens in the juvenile justice system, as they each face a murder charge. Here’s a partial transcript:
Q: What ages are eligible to be waived into adult court, and is the age different on a charge of murder?
A: For crimes where 15- to 17 year olds used to be tried as adults under Ballot Measure 11 – they are now, instead, eligible to be waived into the adult court system; but it is not automatic. Youths under the age of 15 are eligible to be waived into the adult court system as well, if charged with Murder.
Q: What happens next with the accused youthful murderers, now held in Washington?
A: First, they are being held on their Washington charges, and also on our warrant. They will go through the process of the Washington court system – and face whatever outcome is decided there. Then, they will be extradited to Oregon, where they will then be arraigned, and our process will begin. It could be months before they are returned to Oregon.
The Oregon Juvenile Waiver Statute [CLICK HERE to see it] spells out when an under-age person can be tried as an adult, Dooris said.
The investigation is ongoing.
If you have information about this Portland convenience store murder, and have not yet talked with police about it, contact homicidetips@police.portlandoregon.gov or call 503-823-0479 and refer to Case No. 25-336971.
© 2026 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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