California Man Shot To Death In Northeast Portland

January 28, 2003 00:00

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On Monday, January 27, 2003, at about 7:05 p.m., Northeast Precinct Uniform Officers were dispatched on both a "shots fired" call and a possible fatal accident near the intersection of Northeast Grand Avenue and Northeast Fremont Street. Upon arrival, officers found what appeared to be a single car accident into a tree. In the drivers seat of the vehicle officers found the body of 48-year-old Morris R. Rivers of Sacramento, California. Also inside the 1988 BMW was a female passenger who sustained only minor injuries. Homicide Detectives were called to the scene and initiated an investigation.

On January 28, 2003, the Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and determined that Rivers died of a "single gunshot wound to the neck." Investigators believe that the shooting preceded the accident and are exploring the possibility that the shooting may have been drug related.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call Detective Steve Ober at (503) 823-4033 or Detective Rich Austria at (503) 823-0449. The Portland Police Bureau does not possess a photograph of Rivers. This is the fourth homicide of 2003.

This investigation is continuing.

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Public Information Officer:
Sgt. Pete Simpson
Peter.Simpson@portlandoregon.gov
Desk: 503-823-0830
Pager: 503-790-1779

Alternate PIO:
Lt. Mike Marshman
Michael.Marshman@portlandoregon.gov
Desk: 503-823-0010
Pager: 503-790-1779

Portland Police Bureau
1111 SW 2nd Ave, Suite 1526
Portland, Oregon 97204