Third juvenile charged in December Portland convenience store killing as police investigation into robbery continues
New arrest announced in Hazelwood homicide investigation
Portland police have arrested and charged a third juvenile in connection with the fatal shooting of a convenience store clerk in Southeast Portland in December 2025. The latest arrest, involving a 15-year-old boy, adds to an ongoing investigation that has already led to two earlier juvenile arrests in the Vancouver area.
The victim, Santi Ram Rai, 33, was shot on December 9, 2025, while working at a convenience store in the Hazelwood neighborhood. Police responded at about 5:21 p.m. to the 1700 block of Southeast 139th Avenue and found Rai suffering from an apparent gunshot wound; he was pronounced dead at the scene. The medical examiner later determined the death was a homicide caused by a gunshot wound.
Charges filed against a third 15-year-old
Police said the newly arrested 15-year-old was taken into custody on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in the area of Southeast 84th Avenue and Southeast Beech Street. He was booked into the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Center on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, unlawful use of a weapon, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
Authorities have not publicly released the boy’s identity, citing his juvenile status.
Earlier arrests involved a 12-year-old and another 15-year-old
The February arrest follows earlier developments in mid-January. Investigators arrested two boys—ages 12 and 15—in Vancouver, Washington, in connection with Rai’s killing. The 12-year-old was charged with first-degree murder, and the 15-year-old was charged with second-degree murder. Both were booked into the Robert L. Harris Juvenile Justice Center in Vancouver.
Those January cases also included allegations tied to robbery and weapons offenses, as well as unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, underscoring investigators’ view that the killing occurred during a serious felony event at or connected to the store.
What is known about the incident and the open questions
Police have not publicly detailed the specific actions attributed to each juvenile or the sequence of events inside the store. Investigators also have not released information on a motive beyond the charges filed, and they have not disclosed whether additional suspects may be sought.
Date and location: December 9, 2025, 1700 block of Southeast 139th Avenue, Portland.
Victim: Santi Ram Rai, 33, killed by gunshot while working at a convenience store.
Suspects charged to date: Three juveniles, including two 15-year-olds and one 12-year-old.
Police have said the investigation remains active and are continuing to seek information related to the homicide under case number 25-336971.
Anyone with information who has not previously spoken with investigators has been asked to contact the police tip line associated with the homicide case.