The suspect in the fatal shooting of a woman in Southeast Portland has turned himself in to authorities, following a tense situation that prompted a shelter-in-place order for local residents.
Kamari N. Gates, an 18-year-old, surrendered to police on Thursday and was arrested on an outstanding murder warrant. He was subsequently booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center, facing multiple charges, including second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, and unlawful use of a weapon.
The incident unfolded on September 17, around 8:37 a.m., when officers responded to reports of a shooting near Southeast 136th Avenue and Southeast Knight Street. Upon arrival, they discovered LaToya M. Hill, a 38-year-old Portland resident, suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical attention and transport to a local hospital, Hill succumbed to her injuries later that day. The medical examiner confirmed that Hill’s death was a homicide resulting from a gunshot wound.
In the wake of the shooting, police issued a shelter-in-place order for residents in the immediate vicinity as the East Metro SWAT team, comprising personnel from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and Gresham police, conducted a thorough search of the area. The order was lifted later that evening, but authorities were unable to locate Gates at that time.
Hill’s family has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with the costs of medical bills and funeral services, seeking support from the community during this tragic time. They have requested privacy as they navigate their loss.
