Gresham police said a 13-year-old boy was killed early Sunday morning when stray bullets went through the wall of the apartment he was in.
William “Liam” Spahnle-Bailey had been sleeping when gunfire struck him just after 1:30 a.m., according to the Gresham Police Department.
Police said officers at the scene provided aid and the boy was taken to a nearby hospital, but he did not survive.
Officers found another shooting victim near the scene, in the 4700 block of Southwest 11th Street. That person’s injuries did not appear to be life-threatening, police said.
Gresham police did not immediately provide details about any suspects or arrests.
Gresham Police Chief Travis Gullberg released a statement Monday morning, saying the community was mourning the the killing of an innocent child.
“This shooting is a tragic reminder of how the impact of gun violence reaches far beyond the shooters and their intended victims,” Gullberg said. “Our officers, detectives, and law enforcement partners will hold accountable everyone responsible for this child’s death. The City of Gresham, the Ceasefire program, and our community partners will continue working to break the cycle of violence.”
The Ceasefire program partners community organizations with city leaders, law enforcement and public health experts to prevent violence.
Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez also released a statement Monday morning.
“This an example of horrific violence in our community,” Vasquez said. “It breaks my heart to see the loss of such a young life. Any time a child is lost in our community it’s devastating. But when it occurs in such a senseless, violent manner it’s absolutely infuriating.
“We’ll do everything we can to get to the bottom of this and hold those who are responsible accountable for their actions.”
The East County Major Crimes Team is leading the investigation.
This story may be updated.
