Police identify 17-year-old Kenneth Smith III as victim in January 26 Southeast Portland shooting

Victim identified after early-morning shooting in Powellhurst-Gilbert

Portland police have identified 17-year-old Kenneth Smith III as the person killed in a shooting in Southeast Portland’s Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood early Monday, January 26, 2026. Smith, who was from Portland, was found with gunshot wounds near Southeast 134th Avenue and Southeast Harold Street shortly after 2:30 a.m., authorities said.

Emergency medical personnel were initially dispatched to the area for a report of someone who was not breathing. After arriving, paramedics found the victim had been shot and requested police assistance. Despite lifesaving efforts, Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Multnomah County Medical Examiner determined the death was a homicide caused by a gunshot wound, police said. Smith’s family has been notified and requested privacy.

Investigation status: no arrests, limited public details

As of Monday, February 2, 2026, investigators have not announced any arrests and have not released suspect information. Police have also not publicly described circumstances that led to the shooting, the number of shots fired, or whether additional victims were involved.

Homicide detectives are leading the investigation. Police have indicated that traffic in the surrounding area was impacted during the initial response and evidence collection.

What officials are asking from the public

Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the Portland Police Bureau’s tip line and reference case number 26-24603. Tips may include:

• Witness accounts from anyone in the area around Southeast 134th Avenue and Southeast Harold Street between late Sunday night and early Monday morning
• Video from home surveillance systems, doorbell cameras, or vehicle dash cameras
• Information about vehicles leaving the area around the time of the shooting

First homicide recorded in Portland in 2026

Police described the killing as Portland’s first homicide of 2026. The identification comes one week after the shooting, reflecting the process that typically includes notifying next of kin and confirmation by the medical examiner before a name is released publicly.

If you have information about the case, police are asking that you reference case number 26-24603 when submitting a tip.