Andrew Mikes

Who killed Andrew Mikes in Portland, OR in 2003?
A warm night in July 2003 turned tragic in Portland, Oregon, ending the life of a young man and leaving his loved ones with questions that have remained unanswered for years. Andrew Ray Mikes, a 23-year-old African-American man, was remembered by those who loved him as a "nice, sweet, loving person." In messages left after his death, those who knew him expressed profound love and heartbreak, recalling a young man whose voice they could still hear in their minds and who would remain forever in their hearts.

On the evening of Saturday, July 12, 2003, Andrew was near the intersection of Northeast 44th Avenue and Sandy Boulevard in the city's Hollywood district. It was there that he was fatally shot. The specific circumstances that led to the shooting, including what Andrew was doing in the area or if he was with anyone, have never been released to the public. The incident happened in a busy commercial and residential neighborhood, a thoroughfare that connects several Northeast Portland communities, yet the crime seems to have occurred without witnesses who could provide police with a clear account of what happened or a description of who was responsible.

The Portland Police Bureau responded to the scene, and a homicide investigation was launched. Detectives canvassed the area and sought information from the public, but the case quickly grew cold. Investigators have stated that there is very little known information regarding Andrew's death. No suspects have ever been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made in the two decades since the shooting. The lack of leads has been a source of immense frustration and prolonged pain for Andrew's family and friends.

His case, #03-66211, was eventually transferred to the Portland Police Bureau's Cold Case Homicide Unit. This specialized team is tasked with re-examining unsolved murders, hoping that new technology, fresh perspectives, or a witness finally breaking their silence might provide a long-awaited breakthrough. Investigators periodically review the file, looking for anything that might have been missed. They continue to appeal to the public for any piece of information, no matter how insignificant it might seem.

The years have passed, but the search for justice for Andrew Mikes continues. His loved ones are left with the memory of a young man taken from them far too soon, and the lingering pain of not knowing who was responsible or why. The case remains open and active, a somber file in the archives of the city's unsolved homicides, waiting for the one crucial tip that could bring closure to his family.

As of August 2018, the Portland Police Bureau continues to seek help from the community to solve this crime. Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers a cash reward of up to $2,500 for information that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony case. Anyone with information about the murder of Andrew Ray Mikes is urged to contact the Cold Case Homicide Unit directly at (503) 823-0400. To remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Oregon by calling 503-823-HELP (4357) or through their website and the P3 Tips app.