Recent high school graduate dies in SE Portland shooting, family says

PORTLAND, Ore. — Family members tell KATU a recent high school graduate was killed Friday afternoon.

Police have not confirmed the identity of the deceased, but did say a woman was killed in a shooting in the Lents neighborhood around 12:45 p.m. Friday.

Family members say that woman was Shaindia Harris.

Streets were closed on Southeast Flavel Street from 82nd to 85th avenue, and on Southeast 84th Avenue from Flavel to Knapp Streets as police investigated the shooting.

Once the scene was cleared, dozens of family members gathered in disbelief. They were seen mourning together and shared memories of Harris.

"She was an honor roll student, Straight A's, she was going to Atlantic College she just graduated," shared Renee Harris, Harris' Grandmother. "She came from a good family, she has a gang of sister of brothers that she left behind, she has two parents that love her and did everything they could to help her through life."

Neighbors helped build a memorial where the shooting happened.

One neighbor saw the shooting happen. She tells KATU that she heard three shots, then she ran towards Harris, who was on the ground. They say Harris was on the phone with her mom when she was shot.

"I wouldn’t want someone I loved and cared about to die alone," explained Trisha Trichelt, who lives nearby and witnessed the shooting. "I went running up and seeing all the blood where she got shot. I knew she wasn’t going to live. She was waiting for her mom and her mom wasn’t going to be there in time, so I just wanted to be there for her so that she wasn’t alone."

Portland Police say no arrests have been made in this case. They have not released any information about the shooter. Witnesses say Harris knew the person who shot her and that they were arguing before the shooting happened. Police have not confirmed that.

Her fatal shooting marks the third homicide Portland officers have been called to within a 24-hour period. They say none of the incidents appear to be related.

"I am deeply disturbed by the loss of life our City has seen in such a short time," said Chief Chuck Lovell. "Please help our investigators with tips and information as we pursue those responsible. I extend my gratitude to our PPB Officers, Detectives, Sergeants and Criminalists who have responded to these traumatic scenes and are diligently working to follow up on leads and capture those responsible."