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The City of Portland, Oregon

Police Bureau

Sworn to protect. Dedicated to serve.

Phone: 503-823-0000

Non-Emergency: 503-823-3333

1111 S.W. 2nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97204

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DEAN TAHTINEN

Case #97-1965

View KPTV's story on this Cold Case.

On January 6, 1997, at approximately 7 pm, Sean Tahtinen went to his brother’s apartment in the 106th block of NE Wygant to check on him. He had last talked to his brother, Dean Owen Tahtinen, on January 3, 1997, and was supposed to give Dean a ride to the airport on January 5. When he did not hear from Dean on January 5, he assumed that Dean had taken a cab to the airport. Dean worked for Wells Fargo Bank and was flying to Arizona as part of his employment.

On January 6, Dean’s supervisor from Wells Fargo Bank contacted Sean and inquired about Dean, as Dean had not arrived in Arizona and had missed work. This was very unusual for Dean.

When Sean opened Dean Tahtinen’s apartment door, he found his brother dead.  He then left the apartment and called the police.

Detectives were able to determine that the last time Dean Tahtinen was seen alive was on the evening of January 4, 1997 at approximately 7 pm. Dean was drinking at a bar called CC Slaughters. Dean was known to frequent that establishment. He was not seen leaving with anyone.

An autopsy revealed that he died of homicidal violence.

Witnesses may contact Cold Case Homicide Unit investigators directly at (503) 823-0400. To remain anonymous, witnesses may provide information through Crime Stoppers of Oregon.

Witnesses may contact Cold Case Homicide Unit investigators directly at (503) 823-0400. To remain anonymous, witnesses may provide information through Crime Stoppers of Oregon.

Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime and tipsters can remain anonymous.

Information about this case or any unsolved felony crime may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,500.

Information learned from social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter or YouTube should be shared as these tips may lead to the identification of a suspect or suspects. Links can be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Submit an anonymous tip:

Visit the App Store and download P3 Tips to submit secure and anonymous tips.

Online at https://www.p3tips.com/823

Call 503-823-HELP (4357).