More than a decade after a man was shot and killed in northeast Portland neighborhood, a suspect has been arrested for his murder.
Leonard “LJ” Irving was fatally shot at about 12:40 a.m. on June 26, 2011 at Northeast 82nd Avenue and Thompson Street.
Irving, a father of three young children, was 34 years old at the time.
Investigators said they believe that there was a bar fight that led to gunfire, which injured the two men and killed Irving. The two other men survived.
Earlier this week, a grand jury indicted 37-year-old Jawuan Polk on multiple charges, including second-degree murder. He pleaded not guilty to the charges on Wednesday.
Irving’s mother says the development brings the family one step closer to justice.
“When I first heard he was indicted...I cried. I just cried and I don't know if they were tears of joy or sadness, I just cried,” said Lucy Mashia. “It was a long time coming. I have been begging our community for years, please somebody just come and tell the truth...and for somebody to finally come and do that is gratifying.”
Lucy encourages people in the community to report crimes if they see them.
She said she is starting a support group for community members whose children have been murdered and their killers have not been found.
"I'm thrilled to hear that this tragic murder has led to an arrest," said Chief Chuck Lovell. "I spoke to LJ's mother today and she passed along her appreciation for the work of the detectives in the Homicide Unit. I agree, this arrest is the culmination of almost 12 years of diligent, meticulous work by investigators, and I am grateful to them for their tireless efforts to achieve justice for LJ."