On the evening of January 31, 2004, a conversation on a Portland sidewalk turned deadly for Winston Moton, a 29-year-old African-American man. At about 7:37 p.m., while standing with several other men on Northwest Couch Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, one man in the group produced a handgun and shot Moton, who died on the pavement. The shooter fled the scene immediately.

Witnesses described the assailant as an African-American male about 25 to 40 years old, medium to stocky build, with a short afro, last seen wearing a dark coat. Despite those initial descriptions and later attention from the Portland Police Bureau Cold Case Homicide Unit, no arrests have been reported. Crime Stoppers of Oregon has offered a cash reward for information leading to an arrest. The identity of the shooter and the motive remain unknown.

If anyone knew Winston, was on Northwest Couch Street that night, or has information about the man in the dark coat, please come forward.