Case #82-72617

On September 6, 1982, two individuals were driving east on N Lombard Street at approximately 9:30 pm when they observed what appeared to be a man lying in the Chevron service station near the intersection of N Lombard and Wabash Avenue. When they approached, they discovered James Kesch, a 21-year-old white man who worked as the service station attendant, was shot on the floor of the service station. They called 911 from the service station phone and Mr. Kesch was transported to a nearby hospital where he died shortly after. Investigators believe this to be an attempted robbery, although no money was missing from either the register or safe.

James Kesch was known to be well liked with no criminal record. An unidentified African-American man was reported to be at the service station shortly after gunshots were reported. He has been described as being in his late teens to early twenties, 5 foot 8 inches to 5 foot 10 inches tall, medium build and medium complexion, wearing a dark baseball cap, dark or navy blue service station jacket with dark pants and shoulder length hair.

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.

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