Nycole Lashawne Griffin, a 30-year-old Black / African American man, was shot and killed on April 24, 2022, in Portland’s Buckman neighborhood at Southeast 9th Avenue and Southeast Ash Street. Friends drove him to Legacy Emanuel Hospital after the shooting, but he died of a gunshot wound; the Oregon State Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide. His friends stayed to speak with police and assisted early investigative efforts.

The Portland Police Bureau identified a suspect, and on May 27, 2022, 33-year-old Nathaniel C. Freeman was arraigned in Multnomah County court on charges that included Murder in the First and Second Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. At the time of those charges he was already in custody facing an unrelated murder charge from May 4, 2022.

Nycole’s mother, Nikki Griffin-Ware, remembered him for his huge, perfect smile, contagious laugh, and the way he loved and protected his family. The family’s loss and frustration over gun violence in the city were emphasized. If anyone knew Nycole or has information about what happened that night, please share what can help the investigation.