Deante Strickland was a 22-year-old Black man and student-athlete at Portland State University, remembered for his determination, infectious smile and love of family. A social science major, he had played two seasons of basketball and joined the university football program in spring 2019, preparing to use his final year of eligibility that fall.

On the afternoon of August 2, 2019, just after 2 p.m., Deante was at a family home in the 6200 block of Northeast 42nd Avenue when a shooting occurred. He was shot in the chest, stumbled into the street seeking help and was given aid by nearby construction workers, but was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other family members, his grandmother Shirley Strickland and an aunt also named Shirley Strickland, suffered non-life-threatening wounds and were expected to survive.

Portland police identified Deante’s older sister, 30-year-old Tamena Jaceeta Strickland, as the shooter. She fled after the shooting but surrendered later that evening and was arrested; a firearm was recovered from a vehicle associated with her. Initial charges included murder and two counts of attempted murder. The violence left the family stunned and searching for answers.

Does anyone from Portland who knew Deante or his family have information that could shed light on what happened that day?