A concerned neighbor reported not seeing 67-year-old Howard Curtiss Olson for several days, prompting police to check his Portland home on the morning of December 15, 2008. Officers arrived at 121 NE 143rd Avenue at 8:21 a.m. and found Olson deceased on the floor near the back door. The death was ruled homicidal violence.

Olson was a local artist who worked from home creating fused glass pieces and was described by acquaintances as reclusive. His residence, where he made his art, became the scene of the killing. No arrests have been announced and no suspects have been publicly identified. The Portland Police Bureau Cold Case Homicide Unit is seeking tips, and a cash reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.

Did anyone in the Portland arts community or neighborhood recall unusual visitors or disturbances at Olson’s home in the days before December 15, 2008?