Case #76-19561
On the morning of March 3, 1976, at approximately 3:10 am, TriMet Transit Police found a man lying on the ground in a dazed state at the TriMet maintenance facility near the 4300 block of SE 17th Avenue. Howard Worden, a 61 year-old white man, was transported to OHSU with traumatic head injuries. Mr. Worden survived until March 15, when he succumbed to his wounds.
Mr. Worden was an unemployed World War II veteran who was reported to be a heavy drinker and frequented Southeast Portland bars. Investigators concluded that he was last seen earlier that morning at approximately 2:45 am when he was forcefully ejected from an apartment on the 3400 block of SE 13th Avenue. He was transported away from the apartment by two unidentified Hispanic or Native American men.
One of the unidentified men has been described as being 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall, approximately 180 pounds with straight black, collar length hair wearing dark clothing. The other unidentified man has been described as being 5 feet 6 inches tall with a stocky build with black curly hair wearing dark clothing.
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.
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