Third Minor Arrested in Deadly Shooting of Portland Convenience Store Employee

15-year-old boy charged with second-degree murder, robbery, and other crimes in death of Santi Ram Rai

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Police in Portland, Oregon have arrested a third minor, a 15-year-old boy, in connection with the December 9th shooting death of Santi Ram Rai, a 33-year-old convenience store employee. Two other minors, a 12-year-old and a 15-year-old, were previously arrested and charged with first-degree murder, robbery, and other crimes related to Rai's killing and a separate shooting incident in Vancouver.

Why it matters

The tragic death of Santi Ram Rai, a member of the local Nepali-speaking Bhutanese community who was known for helping others, has shaken the community. The arrests of three minors accused of the crime raise concerns about youth violence and access to firearms in the Portland area.

The details

On December 9th, police responded to a report of a shooting at 3D's Market in Southeast Portland and found Santi Ram Rai with a fatal gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. On February 18th, police arrested a 15-year-old boy on charges of second-degree murder, robbery, unlawful use of a weapon, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Two other minors, a 12-year-old and a 15-year-old, were previously arrested on January 14th and charged with first-degree murder, robbery, and other crimes related to Rai's death as well as a separate shooting incident in Vancouver.

  • On December 9, 2025, police responded to a report of a shooting at 3D's Market in Southeast Portland and found Santi Ram Rai with a fatal gunshot wound.
  • On January 14, 2026, police arrested a 12-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy in connection with Rai's death and a separate shooting in Vancouver.
  • On February 18, 2026, police arrested a 15-year-old boy on charges related to Rai's death.

The players

Santi Ram Rai

A 33-year-old convenience store employee in Southeast Portland who was known for helping others in the local Nepali-speaking Bhutanese community.

12-year-old boy

One of three minors arrested and charged with first-degree murder, robbery, and other crimes related to Rai's death and a separate shooting incident in Vancouver.

15-year-old boy

One of three minors arrested and charged with first-degree murder, robbery, and other crimes related to Rai's death and a separate shooting incident in Vancouver.

15-year-old boy

The third minor arrested and charged with second-degree murder, robbery, unlawful use of a weapon, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in connection with Rai's death.

Rehka Koirala

A close family friend of Santi Ram Rai who described him as an "absolutely incredible person" who was always helping others in the community.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He was an absolutely incredible person. He was out there in the community, always helping.”

— Rehka Koirala, Close family friend of Santi Ram Rai (KGW)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the 15-year-old boy arrested in February out on bail.

The takeaway

The tragic death of Santi Ram Rai and the arrests of three minors accused of the crime highlight the ongoing challenges of youth violence and access to firearms in the Portland area, raising questions about community support, crime prevention, and juvenile justice reform.