Portland Police Bureau (PPB) detectives, working alongside Vancouver and Clark County law enforcement, have arrested two boys, aged 12 and 15, in connection with the fatal shooting of a convenience store worker in Portland last month. On December 9, Santi Ram Rai, a 33-year-old employee, was shot and killed at 3D’s Market in the Hazelwood neighborhood, as reported by The Columbian. Rai, remembered as a married father of two who volunteered to help Bhutanese refugee families, leaves behind a grieving community.
The suspects were apprehended on January 14 in East Vancouver. Law enforcement officials charged the 12-year-old with first-degree murder, while the 15-year-old faces second-degree murder charges, along with first-degree robbery, unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful use of a motor vehicle, as indicated by information obtained by KPTV. Both are also accused of unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm and motor vehicle, tying them to other criminal activities in the Vancouver area.
Detectives have yet to conclude what led the juveniles to reportedly engage in both the shooting and subsequent criminal acts. A Kia without license plates, containing two firearms, was found at the scene where the boys were initially discovered with gunshot wounds on December 12, WECT reported. Other guns were also later found in the Vancouver residence where the boys were subsequently arrested.
Portland's officials have publicly responded to this grim episode, extending their sympathies to Rai's family and emphasizing the importance of addressing gun violence, especially involving youth. "The arrest of the two young suspects, is a sobering reminder of the devastating reach of gun violence and the urgent need for continued prevention and intervention — especially when young people are involved," reads a joint statement from Portland's leaders, including Police Chief Bob Day, Mayor Keith Wilson, and Stephanie Howard, director of community safety, as "told" to The Columbian.
Currently detained at the Robert L. Harris Juvenile Justice Center in Vancouver, the boys are scheduled for arraignment on January 22. Depending on the proceedings in Clark County Court, they could potentially face a transfer to Multnomah County, where state law may allow them to be tried as adults for the charges of murder. The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office has indicated that the process could take several months. Anyone with additional information regarding the Portland shooting is encouraged to contact Portland authorities, as per the details shared by KPTV.
