Police identify elderly woman shot dead in Lents neighborhood
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Authorities have identified the Portland woman shot to death in the Lents neighborhood Thursday morning.
Police say Janette Becraft, 85, was found dead when officers responded to reports of a possible shooting at 6000 SE 100th Avenue around 9:52 a.m. Her death was ruled a homicide by a gunshot wound.
Before discovering Becraft, officers say a man they attempted to contact inside the home had “not cooperated with officers” and may have been armed. After two hours, the man “eventually came out,” and a tactical team took him into custody.
Police have not identified the person in custody, but neighbors say a former professional wrestler lived in the home with his wife.
Brelynn Matthieu, who lives in the other unit of the duplex, told KOIN 6 Becraft’s death came as a shock.
“It’s just a huge tragedy,” Matthiew said. “I was pretty decently close to both of them and loved them very much. It’s a really sad day, all around.”
Police ask anyone with information about the shooting to contact Detective Ryan Foote at ryan.foote@police.portlandoregon.gov and 503-823-0781 or Detective Travis Law at Travis.Law@police.portlandoregon.gov and 503-823-0395. Reference Case No. 24-31552.
Stay with KOIN 6 as this story develops.