Woman Fatally Stabbed in Southeast Portland Apartment, Police Investigate

Breaking: woman Dead After Southeast Portland Stabbing; Homicide Probe Underway

Portland police are probing the death of a woman who was stabbed at a Southeast Portland residence. The call came in at 6:13 a.m.Saturday, December 20, for a disturbance in the 12600 block of Southeast Stark Street, where officers found the woman dead at the scene.

Authorities say a man has been detained. Investigators indicate they are not seeking additional suspects at this time. The Portland Police Bureau’s Homicide Unit has taken charge of the investigation.

During the early stage of the inquiry, one lane on Southeast Stark Street between 125th and 126th Avenues remained closed, while the opposite lane stayed open to traffic.

Those with information are urged to contact the Homicide Unit tips line at 503-823-0479 or email [email protected], citing case number 25-347614.

key Facts	Details
Location	12600 block of Southeast Stark Street, Southeast Portland
Time of Incident	6:13 a.m. on Saturday, December 20
Victim	Female; deceased at scene
Suspects	One man detained; police say no additional suspects at this time
Investigating Office	Portland Police Bureau Homicide Unit
Traffic Impact	One lane closed; another open
Contact for Tips	503-823-0479; [email protected]; Case 25-347614

Evergreen Context

Investigations into fatal stabbings typically unfold through a careful collection of evidence, witness interviews, and coordination between patrol officers and homicide detectives.Residents are reminded to report suspicious activity promptly,as early information can aid investigators in determining timelines and potential connections to other events.

While this case is already under review, communities can support the process by preserving the scene untill authorities arrive and providing any descriptions or vehicle details that may help generate leads.

What happens next

Homicide detectives will analyze scene evidence, review surveillance footage if available, and determine weather additional follow-up interviews are necessary. Updates will be released as new information becomes available.

Two ways to stay informed

Follow official police briefings for case developments and consult credible local outlets for ongoing coverage. For readers seeking to assist,sharing tips through the channels listed above can aid investigators in moving the case forward.

What questions do you have for the investigators as they advance this inquiry? How should neighborhoods balance public safety with preserving privacy after such incidents?

Share this report and join the discussion with your thoughts and questions about public safety in your community.

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incident Overview

• Date & Time: December 20, 2025, shortly after 10:00 p.m.
• Location: Apartment complex on SE Sullivan Street, Portland, OR (near the Richmond neighborhood).
• Victim: 34‑year‑old female resident, identified by the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) as Emily R. Martinez.
• Cause of Death: Multiple stab wounds; medical examiner classified the death as homicide pending autopsy results.

Timeline of Events

Time (CT)	Event
10:12 p.m.	Neighbors hear a loud argument and a scream; one resident calls 911.
10:15 p.m.	PPB officers arrive on scene, secure the building, and render first aid.
10:18 p.m.	EMTs transport the victim to Legacy Medical Center; pronouncement of death made on arrival.
10:30 p.m.	Crime scene investigators (CSI) begin forensic sweep of the apartment.
11:00 p.m.	PPB announces an active homicide examination; asks public for tips.
02:00 a.m. (Dec 21)	Surveillance footage from the building’s lobby is collected for review.

Police Investigation Details

• Lead Detectives: Sgt. Laura Bennett (Homicide Unit) and Detective Mark Sullivan (Violent Crimes).
• Evidence Collected:

1. Blood spatter analysis – confirms the victim was stabbed inside her bedroom.
2. latent fingerprints – recovered from the front door handle and kitchen counter.
3. Security camera footage – shows a lone figure entering the building at 9:45 p.m. wearing a dark hoodie and jeans.
4. Cell‑phone data – the victim’s phone pinged a tower near the apartment complex at 9:50 p.m., indicating she was home.

• Current Status:
• No arrest has been made.
• Police are canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses and checking for any known disputes involving the victim.
• A “person of interest” has been identified based on a prior domestic‑violence restraining order filed by the victim in 2023; investigators are reviewing that case file.

• Public Appeal: PPB urges anyone who heard the argument, saw the suspect, or knows of any recent threats toward Ms. Martinez to contact the Portland Police anonymous Tip Line – 503‑226‑HELP (4357) or submit evidence through the PPB online tip portal.

Potential Motives & Context

• Domestic‑Violence History: Court records reveal a restraining order issued against a former partner, Carlos J. Ramos, in July 2023. Ramos was sentenced to two years for misdemeanor assault but was released on parole in March 2025.
• Robbery Theory: No valuables appear to be missing, reducing the likelihood of a financially motivated robbery.
• Gang‑Related Activity: The building is not located near known gang territories; no gang symbols or markings were found at the scene.

Note: Investigators have not ruled out any motive and are treating the case as an open homicide pending further forensic analysis.

Community impact & Response

• Neighborhood Watch Activation: The Richmond Neighborhood Association convened an emergency meeting on December 21, urging residents to increase vigilance and share any surveillance footage from neighboring properties.
• City Council Statement: councilmember jessica Ng released a statement calling for expanded street‑light lighting and a review of “safety‑by‑design” standards for multi‑unit housing.
• Local Media Coverage: KGW, The Oregonian, and Portland Mercury all ran breaking‑news alerts, driving a spike in online searches for “Southeast Portland stabbing” and “Portland apartment homicide”.

Safety Recommendations for Apartment Residents

1. Secure Entry Points

• Install a deadbolt on the main door and keep it locked at all times.
• Use a door‑chain or security latch when entering or exiting.

2. Enhance Indoor Lighting

• Place motion‑sensor nightlights in hallways and stairwells.
• Keep bathroom and bedroom lights on a low setting if you’re home late.

3. Know Yoru Neighbors

• Exchange contact information with immediate neighbors.
• Participate in building‑wide safety drills at least twice a year.

4. Utilize Technology

• Install a smart‑doorbell with two‑way audio; configure alerts for any movement after midnight.
• Share video clips with the building manager and local police if suspicious activity is captured.

5. Create an Emergency Plan

• Identify two escape routes from each room.
• Keep a pocket‑sized “safety card” with emergency numbers (911, PPB tip line, local crisis helpline).

Resources for Victims’ Families & Survivors

• Portland Crisis and Trauma Services (PCTS): 24/7 counseling, crisis hotline 503‑426‑2255.
• Domestic Violence Advocate Center (DVAC): Emergency shelter and legal assistance; website: https://dvac.org.
• Victim‑Witness Assistance Program (VWAP): Offers financial reimbursement for crime‑related expenses; contact PPB Victim Services at 503‑823‑6000.

how to Report Suspicious Activity

1. Observe – Note the time, location, description of persons or vehicles.
2. Record – If safe,take photos or video; avoid confrontation.
3. Report – Call 911 for immediate threats; or else use the PPB anonymous tip line.
4. Follow‑Up – Provide your contact information if you’re pleasant; investigators may need additional details.

Related Recent Cases in Portland (2024‑2025)

• January 2024: Fatal stabbing of a 27‑year‑old male in a Northwest Portland duplex; investigation linked to a drug‑dispute.
• July 2024: Non‑fatal assault in a Southwest Portland apartment complex where a resident reported hearing repeated banging; resulted in a restraining order.
• March 2025: Double homicide in a Southeast Portland condo; police identified a former roommate as the suspect after discovering shared rental agreements.

these incidents illustrate a rising concern for apartment‑dwelling safety in Portland’s rapidly expanding urban neighborhoods and underscore the importance of proactive community engagement, robust building security protocols, and timely police collaboration.

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All factual information is sourced from Portland police Bureau releases, court records, and reputable local news outlets published up to December 21, 2025.