William “Liam” Spahnle-Bailey (Gresham Police Department).
Gunshots pierced through the walls of an apartment in Oregon, tragically killing a 13-year-old boy in his sleep. The victim, identified as William “Liam” Spahnle-Bailey, was fatally shot while he was resting. Authorities have not yet disclosed any details about the shooter responsible for Liam’s death or the circumstances surrounding the incident that occurred in the early hours of a Sunday morning.
Liam’s brother, Gordon Mott-Bailey, expressed profound grief and anger at the loss of his younger sibling during an emotional interview with a local news outlet. Standing alongside Liam’s father, William Spahnle, Gordon lamented the loss of his “little brother” and “best friend.” He demanded justice for Liam, emphasizing the pain and suffering their family is enduring. Gordon urged that those responsible for the tragedy must be held accountable and face the consequences of their actions.
“Hopefully, God can forgive ’em one day,” the victim’s father said. “Not sure if I can.”
There is a GoFundMe to support the family.
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The tragic event unfolded while Liam was peacefully sleeping in his father’s residence at Eleven Pines Apartments in Gresham, a suburb near Portland. Father and son had plans to go snowboarding early in the morning, but their peaceful night was shattered by a nearby shooting incident. A bullet traveled through the apartment wall, striking Liam while he was asleep. Despite efforts from emergency responders to save him, Liam was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Another person, who police have not identified, was also shot. They are expected to survive. Gresham police did not immediately respond to a Law&Crime request for more information.
“Today our entire community is mourning the killing of an innocent child,” Police Chief Travis Gullberg said in a statement published to Facebook. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, classmates, and neighbors. This shooting is a tragic reminder of how the impact of gun violence reaches far beyond the shooters and their intended victims. Our officers, detectives, and law enforcement partners will hold accountable everyone responsible for this child’s death. The City of Gresham, the Ceasefire program, and our community partners will continue working to break the cycle of violence.”
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“This an example of horrific violence in our community,” Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez said. “It breaks my heart to see the loss of such a young life. Any time a child is lost in our community it’s devastating. But when it occurs in such a senseless, violent manner it’s absolutely infuriating. We’ll do everything we can to get to the bottom of this and hold those who are responsible accountable for their actions.”
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