A stray bullet from two apartments over struck through several walls and hit a teen while he slept in his Oregon home. PEOPLE reports that gunfire from a nearby unit hit 13-year-old Liam Spahnle-Bailey during the shooting.
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Details On Oregon Apartment Shooting That Claimed Teen’s Life
Per OregonLive, the shooting occurred in a second-floor apartment at the Eleven Pines complex on Southwest 11th Street. Gresham police said paramedics pulled up to the scene shortly after the shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. They later found Liam Spahnle-Bailey wounded and rushed him to the hospital. However, doctors later pronounced him dead on Sunday, April 27.
Officers also found another person who was hit by the nearby gunfire. The unidentified individual went to a local hospital and was treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
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Teen’s Father & Brother React To The Tragic Incident
Liam’s father, William Spahnle, and his brother, Gordon Mott-Bailey, spoke to KATU about the shooting. His father explained what happened the night of the incident. He told the news outlet that he blamed himself for what happened and wished he could’ve done things differently.
“I put my son to sleep in the living room on the air mattress and thinking he’d be safe,” William told KATU. “I was wrong and kind of have a hard time blaming myself. I’m told not to. I just wish I could do some things different, but it doesn’t matter now,” William Spanle said.
Meanwhile, Liam’s brother, Gordon, reflected on his life and called Liam his best friend. “He was my best friend. He’s the best. I loved him like he was a kid of my own,” Gordon told KATU.
While reportedly wiping away tears from his eyes, Gordon broke down, mentioning that he was hurt to know that he would no longer be able to make special memories with Liam. “I wanted to see him grow up, never get to; I’m never gonna get to know how tall he got,” Gordon continued.
Police Provide Updates On Apartment Shooting Investigation
Gresham police are investigating the incident and ask anyone with information about the suspects to contact their office. No arrests have been made, and police haven’t released details about the suspects. Nathan Vasquez, the Multonomah County District Attorney, released a statement about Liam’s tragic death, expressing that it breaks his heart to see such a young life lost.
“This is an example of horrific violence in our community. 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,” Vasquez said in a statement.
