On the night of August 31, 1996, 17-year-old Alaijo Shaune Johnson was talking with his girlfriend on the front porch of a home at 3950 NE Garfield in Portland when an unknown person approached from behind. Shortly after 11:30 pm a sudden noise drew their attention and someone began shooting. Alaijo was struck multiple times and died while being transported to the hospital.

Investigators say Alaijo was not a gang member; he was a Jefferson High School student about to begin his senior year, had no criminal record, and had friends tied to both Crips and Bloods. Witness cooperation was limited — people on a porch across the street scattered after the shots and did not report seeing the attack. A neighbor who looked out after the gunfire described a light-skinned African-American male, about 14 or 15 in 1996, roughly 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall, wearing dark clothing and leaving on a black bicycle.

No arrests have been made and the case is cold. If anyone knew Alaijo, saw activity near NE Garfield that night, or has information about the described youth on a bicycle, please come forward.