On August 31, 1996, at approx 11:30 pm, Alaijo Shaune Johnson was sitting on the front porch of the residence at 3950 NE Garfield talking to his girlfriend. He had been there for about one-and-one-half hours. As they were talking, a subject approached both Johnson and his girlfriend from behind. Mr. Johnson and his girlfriend heard a noise behind them. Mr. Johnson’s girlfriend looked and saw a subject who began shooting. Mr. Johnson was struck numerous times and died while being transported to the hospital.
While there had been numerous gang shootings in the area prior to this shooting, investigators were able to determine that Mr. Johnson was NOT a gang member and had friends in both the Crips and Bloods. He had no criminal record. Mr. Johnson attended Jefferson High School and would have been a senior in the fall of 1996.
Witnesses to the shooting told investigators that numerous subjects had been sitting on the porch of a vacant duplex directly across the street from 3950 NE Garfield. These witnesses scattered after the shooting and investigators were unable to locate anyone who admitted that they had been at that location and had witnessed the shooting.
A neighbor, having heard the shots, looked out the window and saw an African-American male with light complexion, about 14 to 15 yrs old (in 1996), 5’5” to 5’8” wearing dark clothing retrieve a black bicycle and rapidly leave the area.
Witnesses may contact Cold Case Homicide Unit investigators directly at (503) 823-0400. To remain anonymous, witnesses may provide information through Crime Stoppers of Oregon.
Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime and tipsters can remain anonymous.
Information about this case or any unsolved felony crime may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,500.
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