Joelle Jones and Aimée Plante

14 minutes ago

Police investigate the crime scene of a triple murder in North Portland in March 2023. (Courtesy Portland Police Bureau).

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – An 18-year-old charged in a triple murder that shook Portland's Portsmouth neighborhood in March 2023, he appeared in court on Friday to plead not guilty to all 27 charges against him.

Omar Mohammed Osman was indicted for shooting dead two high school students and a 20-year-old in broad daylight in March 2023, according to court records. And although Osman had just turned eighteen, he was already in custody in Marion County at the time of his indictment.

His appearance in court is the first step towards justice for the families of Eskender Tamra, Babu Daudi and Patrick Johnson Jr. after they were found dead in a car at the intersection of North Foss Avenue and Foss Court.

In court, the victims' family members all asked him repeatedly – ​​in different languages ​​– the same question: “Why? »

Osman has been brought to justice for the triple murder, but Portland police say they are still searching for two other people as the investigation into the shooting continues.

Althea Sails, Patrick Johnson Jr.'s grandmother, shared a statement for Osman and anyone else responsible for her grandson's death.

“There is no reason. My voice is screaming. And I need the people who did this to understand that our hearts are broken,” Sails said. “Our families are broken.”

Osman faces six counts of first-degree murder, four counts of second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a firearm, reckless endangerment of six other people and animal abuse for allegedly killing a bird in front of a child.

The two first-degree murder charges accuse Osman not only of killing the men, but of doing so “in an effort to cover up” the killings of others.

“They had many, many years ahead of them – marriage, children, etc. – and they are gone,” said Portland police spokesman Mike Benner. “Three young men died. And at least one young man is behind bars. His life is over too, because he pulled the trigger.

It is unclear whether Osman is being tried as an adult or a child, as the crime took place when he was under 18 years old.

The FBI and police previously said they believed the three men were targeted, but declined to confirm whether the attack was gang-related. Yet Sails had a message for those behind the violence.

“We don’t need this black-on-black crime and violence. We don’t need it,” Sails said. “It’s like telling the world negative things. We are better than that.