On August 10^th, 2001 at approx 4:20 am, a man who lived in the area of the 6500 block of SE 48^th Ave was working on his computer when he heard what sounded like a gun shot.  Shortly after that he heard a scream and dogs barking.  He then heard someone say "call 911".

Emergency medical personnel responded to the address of 6531 SE 48^th Avenue.  There they found Joshua Michael Jeffries.  Joshua died of the injuries he had received.  An autopsy revealed that Joshua died of a single gun shot wound.

Joshua was an 11 year old boy who attended Lewis Elementary School and had just completed 6^th grade.  He was 5 feet tall and weighed 110 lbs.  He had no criminal record, there was no record of drug or alcohol use and no record of gang membership or activity.  He had numerous friends that were mostly his own age and who lived near him.  Investigators did not discover any feuds or violent disagreements that Joshua was engaged in with anyone and no threats had been made against Joshua by anyone.  Family members described Joshua as a good kid who everyone loved.

Based upon blood evidence at the scene it is apparent that Joshua was in his bed when he was shot and very likely sleeping.  An eleven year old boy sleeping in his own bed does not present a threat to anyone.  There is no apparent motive for this heinous crime. 

If you have any information regarding this homicide you are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 503-823-HELP