Nicole Lashawn Davis, a 40-year-old Black woman, was shot dead on the afternoon of November 22, 2023, outside an apartment complex in the Parkrose Heights neighborhood of Northeast Portland. The shooting happened around 4 p.m. as family members were preparing for Thanksgiving. Nicole had been living with Richard David Simms Jr.; they were estranged at the time and family members said tensions had escalated because they were staying with her for the holiday. Two days before the shooting, relatives reported Simms had punched Nicole and left her with a black eye.

On the day of the killing a dispute erupted when family members returned from grocery shopping. According to reports, Simms pulled a gun, fired once but the weapon malfunctioned, then shot Nicole three times in the back as she turned to retreat into the apartment. Portland police found her deceased in the 11100 block of Northeast Weidler Street; the suspect had fled. Homicide detectives subsequently identified Richard David Simms Jr. as the suspect and an arrest warrant was issued.

If anyone witnessed the shooting or has information about Nicole’s last hours or the dispute that led to her death, please come forward.