Benjamin Walker, a 45-year-old Black/African American man, was shot and killed in the early morning hours of December 4, 2024, at the Quality Inn in the Sumner neighborhood of Northeast Portland. Officers responded to the 8200 block of Northeast Sandy Boulevard around 5:15 a.m.; Walker was found with a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. The medical examiner later ruled his death a homicide.

Portland Police Bureau Homicide detectives cordoned off the motel parking lot and opened an investigation. The person or persons responsible had already fled before officers arrived. On December 9 police publicly identified the victim and Walker’s family provided a photograph while asking for privacy. No arrests have been announced and no suspects have been publicly identified. Detectives continue to seek information that could lead to a breakthrough.

If anyone saw activity near the Quality Inn on December 4 or has information about Benjamin Walker’s death, please contact the detectives handling the case and reference the provided case number.