A Community's Long Wait: Justice Dawns for Slain Somali Refugee Shaani Mohamed

For nearly a year and a half, the vibrant East African community in Portland carried a heavy weight: the unsolved murder of Shaani Mohamed. On that fateful evening of August 15, 2022, Mohamed, a beloved 55-year-old father of ten, was tragically shot and killed in a parking lot off Northeast 162nd Avenue.

His death sent shockwaves through a community that knew him as a pillar of support, a guiding light, and a testament to resilience.

Shaani Mohamed's life story was one of incredible perseverance. He was among countless Somalis who fled the devastating civil war in their homeland, navigating the harsh realities of refugee camps for years before finding a new home in Portland in 2004.

Here, he built a life, embraced opportunities, and dedicated himself to helping others. Working tirelessly, often at multiple jobs like his role at an assisted living facility, he provided for his large family. More than that, he became an unofficial elder, a connector, and a warm presence for new arrivals, helping them navigate a foreign land and fostering a sense of belonging.

His absence left an immeasurable void.

The grief was palpable, compounded by the agony of not knowing who was responsible for taking such a kind and generous soul. His brother, Said Mohamed, articulated the community's anguish beautifully, stating that Shaani's death was "like losing a father to the entire community." The pain, he explained, was a constant companion, echoing the sentiment of many who admired Shaani's spirit and unwavering commitment to his people.

The Portland Police Bureau's investigation into Shaani's murder was a long and arduous journey.

Detectives worked tirelessly, piecing together clues, interviewing witnesses, and following every lead. The initial assurance from authorities that this was not a random act provided a small measure of clarity, yet the silence surrounding a suspect stretched on, testing the community's patience and hope.

Still, the police remained resolute, bolstered by the community's cooperation and their shared desire for justice.

Then, a breakthrough. On February 15, 2024, more than 18 months after the shooting, 35-year-old Robert Edward Hayes was arrested. The news, while bringing a wave of relief, also stirred the deep-seated sorrow of loss.

Hayes faces grave charges: second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and felon in possession of a firearm. The details surrounding the motive for this senseless act remain largely under wraps, but the apprehension marks a significant step towards accountability.

For Shaani's family and the broader Somali and East African community, the arrest is a bittersweet moment.

It doesn't erase the pain, nor does it bring Shaani back, but it offers a crucial sense of closure and the promise that justice, though delayed, will finally be served. As Said Mohamed profoundly shared, "It means a lot. It doesn't heal the pain, but at least we'll know the person that did this." The long wait for answers has been a testament to their resilience, and now, with an arrest made, they can begin the difficult, yet necessary, process of seeking peace.