PORTLAND, Ore. (Jan. 14, 2026) — Two juveniles have been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in Southeast Portland that killed a 33-year-old man in December, Portland police said.
Detectives with the Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Unit identified the suspects following the December 9, 2025, shooting death of Santi Ram Rai in the Hazelwood Neighborhood. Officers from the bureau’s East Precinct responded at about 5:21 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, to reports of a person shot in the 1700 block of Southeast 139th Avenue.
Investigators later determined the suspects were in Vancouver, Washington. On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with assistance from the Vancouver Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit and Clark County Regional SWAT, detectives arrested a 12-year-old male and a 15-year-old male in the area of Northeast 112th Avenue and Northeast 49th Street, police said.
Both juveniles were transported to the Robert L. Harris Juvenile Justice Center in Vancouver. The 12-year-old was lodged on charges of 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 charges of 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 lodged on charges related to criminal behavior in the Vancouver area, including two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, and Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle.
In a joint statement, Portland Police Bureau Chief Bob Day, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, and Director of Community Safety Stephanie Howard expressed condolences to the victim’s family and the community.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and coworkers of Santi whose life was tragically taken. This loss has profoundly impacted the Southeast Portland community. The arrest of two juveniles, ages 12 and 15, in connection with this homicide 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,” the statement said. “We are grateful to the detectives, officers, and others who worked diligently on this case, as well as to our local, regional, and community partners who provided critical assistance. We also thank community members who came forward with information. We remain committed to seeking justice for the victim and continuing our collective work to combat gun violence in our city.”
The victim was identified as Santi Ram Rai, 33, of Portland. Police said his family has been notified.
The investigation remains ongoing.
All suspects are believed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
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