Ernesto Castellanos, 57, was shot and killed while working late as a clerk at the Plaid Pantry at 6060 Northeast Columbia Boulevard in Portland’s Cully neighborhood on the night of Friday, March 27, 2026. Police were called at about 11:48 p.m.; officers found Castellanos behind the counter, already dead from apparent gunshot wounds. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide caused by gunfire.

Surveillance footage showed a customer enter, take a drink from the self-service area, then wait at the checkout. Prosecutors say the man pointed a gun and demanded money; when Castellanos hesitated, the suspect shot him twice in the chest and neck. The assailant then went behind the counter, handled the register and coin machine, and took about $25. A shopper attempted CPR, but Castellanos died at the scene. Plaid Pantry called the killing a senseless act that devastated family and coworkers.

Portland police released photos and video; they described the suspect as a white male in his 20s or 30s, about 5 feet 10 inches and 170 pounds, wearing a black knit beanie, black sweatshirt, blue jeans and black shoes, and warned he was believed armed and dangerous. On Monday night, March 30, the suspect turned himself in and was identified as 21-year-old Michale J.

Does anyone have information about Castellanos, his shift that night, or contacts who might have known the suspect prior to the killing?