Woman shot at SE Portland apartments, witnesses say she died in their arms

PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) - A woman died in a shooting in southeast Portland on Saturday night, according to the Portland Police Bureau.

PPB said just before 11:30 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to a shooting in the 2800 block of Southeast Colt Drive. When they arrived, they found a woman dead.

People in this community said they’re still shaken up. FOX 12 spoke with a neighbor who said a family member held the woman during her final moments.

“I was in my house and heard six gunshots,” neighbor Kaylene Proctor said.

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Proctor described a terrifying situation for people who live at the Wimbledon Square and Gardens apartment complex. She said her family ran out to help.

“She had been shot in the head, in the lung and she passed away on the parking lots,” she said.

Proctor said her mom tried to comfort the woman as she took her final breath.

“My mom ran over there,” she said. “Got her in her arms and started praying with her and just telling her she wasn’t alone.”

People who live nearby said unfortunately, they aren’t shocked something like this happened at that apartment complex.

“I’m also on the Nextdoor app, so when I hear a lot of chatter, I think it’s the Wimbledon apartments,” Brent Veak said.

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Proctor said the area has changed since she first moved in.

“We’ve lived here eight years and it’s just gotten worse,” she said.

Investigators said the suspect or suspects had left the scene.

“Hopefully they find him,” Proctor said. “He drove away. I was out within a minute and he was already gone, so it was very quick.”

Neighbors said the woman was new to their community.

“They’ve only been here like six months, they’re kind of new and they keep to themselves,” Proctor said.

People said as they process what happened, they’re spending time with loved ones.

“I’m just going to stay at home with my family and my pets,” Proctor said.

Homicide detectives are investigating. During the investigation, SE Colt Dr. is closed between Southeast 26th Avenue and Southeast 30th Avenue. If anyone has any information, you’re asked to contact detective Jennifer Hertzler at Jennifer.Hertzler@police.portlandoregon.gov or (503) 823-1040 or detective Joe Corona at Joseph.Corona@police.portlandoregon.gov or (503) 823-0508 and reference case number 23-97906.

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