‘Still painful’: 10 years after son’s murder, family still searching for answers

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Saturday marks 10 years since someone shot and killed 23-year-old Dion Matthews Jr. in downtown Portland.

His family and police are still searching for answers, refusing to let his legacy be defined by the tragedy.

“My son’s death is still painful. It runs deep. I’m still mourning the loss of him. I want answers. I want to be able to gain closure,” said Matthews Jr.’s mother, Taunya Mayo.

Police found Matthews Jr. shot dead around 11:15 p.m. on the night of October 18, 2015, in the parking lot behind Dante’s Nightclub, near Southwest 3rd and West Burnside in Downtown Portland.

Witnesses told police they saw people running away and cars speeding off just after the shooting.

Matthews Jr.’s murder is marked by the age of his 10-year-old son, who is hurt that he never got to meet his dad and frustrated that the person responsible is still free:

“As my son was leaving the world, my grandson was preparing himself to come into the world,” Mayo said. “Just do the right thing. As a citizen, as a human being, you just never know how that can help.”

Matthews Jr.’s spirit lives on through his son, a constant reminder of the love and life he left behind — and a source of strength for the family as they continue seeking justice and healing.

“I just have to thank God every day for him because he’s a part of my son,” Mayo said.

Police say there’s never been enough evidence to charge anyone and there’s still a $2,500 reward for information.

As Matthews Jr.’s family marks this painful anniversary, they’re focusing on celebrating his life, not the way he died.

“(We) just want to celebrate him and just bring joy and laughter in our souls, even though we’re hurting, but he wouldn’t want us to sit around and cry. That wasn’t him. He was just full of life, full of energy,” Mayo said.