With 15 homicides reported this month, Portland Police Bureau officials say that July has become the deadliest month for Portland killings in three decades.
PPB reported 15 homicides within city limits since July 1. For comparison, there were just five reported homicides in July 2015; one in July 2016; two in July 2017; two in July 2018 and three last July, according to the bureau's .
It's too soon to say what has caused the spike in homicides, and whether recent unrest during nightly protests or the widespread quarantine orders are factors in play. Crime generally rises in large cities during the summer — with the heat thought to raise tempers and lead to more interactions between people out of doors.
The most recent deadly incident occurred in the 100 block of Northeast 92nd Place around 10:40 p.m. on July 29.
Homicide detectives say a crowd of perhaps 30 had gathered near the 15800 block of Southeast Division for a vigil after the shooting death of Sacramento resident Tyrell Penney on July 25.
Police say two people were stabbed after a disturbance broke out among mourners. Aja Rhone-Spears, 34, died at the scene.
"Officers and detectives encountered hostility and a lack of cooperation during their attempts to conduct this investigation," according to a news release. "There are believed to be multiple witnesses and investigators are hoping to learn more about what transpired."
No arrests have been made, but the investigation continues.
Despite the spike, police say overall crime is down, however.
According to uniform crime statistics reported to the FBI, there were roughly 4,200 serious offenses involving persons, property or society in Portland last month — the lowest number for June reported since at least 2015.
Last year, the count was about 4,900 serious offenses, and the tally was above 5,000 offenses as recently as June 2017 and 2018. Zane SparlingReporter971-204-7865email:
