One Deceased After a Shooting in the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood

Portland police have identified the person found shot and killed in Southeast Portland’s Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood as Kenneth Smith III, 17, of Portland. The Portland Police Bureau said Smith was pronounced dead on January 26, 2026, and that his family has been notified and asked for privacy. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))

According to the bureau, AMR responded at 2:32 a.m. to a medical call near Southeast 134th Avenue and Southeast Harold Street involving a person who was not breathing. Paramedics found the person with gunshot wounds and asked for police help. Despite lifesaving efforts, the person was pronounced deceased at the scene. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))

The Medical Examiner determined Smith died of homicide by gunshot wound, the bureau said. Detectives with the Portland Police Homicide Unit responded to investigate, and police said traffic in the surrounding area was affected during the response. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))

Police are asking anyone with information to email homicidetips@police.portlandoregon.gov (opens in a new tab) and include case number 26-24603. Families dealing with a sudden death often need death records, insurance information, and a clear record of what happened. When a loss may lead to a civil claim, the timing of those records can matter. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))

Sources

1. One Deceased After a Shooting in the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood (opens in a new tab) - Portland Police Bureau, 2026-01-26