Portland Police Bureau
07/31/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/31/2024 09:16
UPDATE: Suspect Arrested in Connection to 2021 Homicide (Photo)
July 31, 2024 08:06
The suspect in the August 2021 homicide of Jonathon Polanco has been arrested and is facing felony charges.
Since 2021, the Portland Police Bureau's Homicide Unit has been investigating the shooting death of Jonathon Polanco. Through the course of the investigation, detectives identified Leonard L. Edwards, of Portland, as a suspect. The investigation was presented to a Grand Jury that ultimately indicted Edwards for the murder. On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, the U.S. Marshal's Fugitive Task Force apprehended the now 21-year-old Edwards on his outstanding warrants. Edwards was transported to the Multnomah County Detention Center and lodged on the following charges: Murder in the Second Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Assault in the Third Degree.
Polanco's family has been notified of the arrest.
Anyone with information about this case, who has not spoken with authorities, is asked to contact Detective Jennifer Hertzler at [email protected] 503-823-1040 or Detective Joseph Corona at [email protected] 503-823-0508 and reference case number 21-231670.
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***Original Messages Below***
Deshondra Rayford has turned herself in and was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on a warrant for Assault in the Third Degree.
Leonard Edwards is still outstanding.
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***ORIGINAL MESSAGES BELOW***
On August 20, 2021, Johnny Polanco was shot and killed in the parking lot of a local convenience store at Southeast 92nd Avenue and Southeast Holgate Street. Portland Police Homicide Detectives responded to the scene and conducted an investigation. Homicide Detectives identified the suspect in the homicide as 18-year-old Leonard Edwards. Homicide Detectives also identified the female suspect involved in the assault as 19-year-old Deshondra Rayford. On August 28, 2021, Homicide Detectives worked with the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office to have warrants issued for Leonard Edwards for the crime of Murder in the Second Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. A warrant was also issued for Deshondra Rayford for the crime of Assault in the Third Degree.
The third female suspect has been identified and interviewed, and is no longer of interest. She is a juvenile, so her name will not be released.
Homicide Detectives are seeking information on the whereabouts of both Leonard Edwards and Deshondra Rayford. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jennifer Hertzler at [email protected] 503-823-1040 or Detective Joseph Corona at [email protected] 503-823-0508. Please reference case number 21-231670.
Photograph: Leonard Lonell Edwards
Photograph: Deshondra Jamie Tasha Rayford
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***ORIGINAL MESSAGES BELOW***
The victim in the fatal shooting that occurred in the parking lot of a convenience store in the 4500 block of Southeast 92nd Avenue on August 20th has been identified as Jonathon "Johnny" Polanco, 30. His family has been notified of his death and provided the attached photos for media release.
The Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office conducted an autopsy and determined Polanco died from a gunshot wound and ruled his death a homicide.
PPB Homicide Detectives are aware of a video circulating on social media that shows the murder of Polanco. Homicide Detectives are seeking tips regarding the identity of the people in the video. Additionally, Detectives would like to talk to the person who recorded the video. Please contact Detective Jennifer Hertzler at [email protected] 503-823-1040 or Detective Joseph Corona at [email protected] 503-823-0508. Please reference case number 21-231670.
The investigation is continuing.
Photo descriptions:
1. Johnny posing in front of a waterfall holding a child
2. Johnny wearing a hat
3. Johnny holding a baby
4. Johnny smiling
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The victim in the Lents Neighborhood shooting Friday night has died at the hospital. Homicide Unit detectives are investigating.
The victim will be identified after the autopsy is completed by the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office, which will also determine cause and manner of death. If it's officially determined to be a homicide, then it would be the 60th of the year in Portland.
Detectives believe that some witnesses left the scene before speaking to police. If anyone has information about this investigation, or has video evidence, they're asked to please contact Detective Jennifer Hertzler at [email protected] 503-823-1040 or Detective Joseph Corona at [email protected] 503-823-0508. Please reference case number 21-231670.
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###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###
A man is critically wounded after a shooting in the Lents Neighborhood.
On Friday, August 20, 2021 at 9:46p.m., East Precinct officers were dispatched to a report of someone shot at Southeast 92nd Avenue and Southeast Holgate Boulevard. When they arrived they located a victim with critical injuries. The male was transported to the hospital by ambulance for treatment. His injuries are believed to be life threatening.
The suspect or suspects left the scene before police were called. No arrests have been made.
Detectives are investigating. Southeast 92nd Avenue is closed between Southeast Holgate Boulevard and Southeast Cora Street. If anyone has information about this incident, please contact Detective Jennifer Hertzler at [email protected] 503-823-1040 or Detective Joseph Corona at [email protected] 503-823-0508. Please reference case number 21-231670.
The PIO is not responding to the scene. More information will be released when appropriate to the investigation.
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