‘A lot of emotions' as friends, family say goodbye to slain Happy Valley teen
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — There wasn't a dry eye in the church Saturday morning as family and friends took turns sharing happy stories about a teen who was shot and killed while sleeping at his dad's Gresham apartment last month.
Dozens of people filled the pews at the Milwaukie Lutheran Church to say goodbye to 13-year-old Liam Spahnle-Bailey of Happy Valley.
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Liam was sleeping over at his dad's apartment near 4700 SW 11th Street last month planning to wake up early to go snow boarding.
But the teen's life was cut short when several rounds of gunfire from a neighboring apartment pierced the walls, striking Liam while he slept at around 1:30 a.m.
He was rushed to get medical treatment, but died in the hospital.
There was one other person injured in the incident who has since been released from the hospital.
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Currently, Gresham police are searching for 20-year-old Anthony Hunter, Jr., 20-year-old Xavier Hirsch and 16-year-old Terrell Coy, who are all wanted for Liam's death. They have each been charged with second-degree murder.
'I lost my kid. It's a lot of emotions going on,' said William Spahnle, Liam's father. 'I hope justice is served. And I hope that with the news release and the faces that they find, these guys get their justice.'
Meanwhile, at the church, grieving friends and family shared memories of Liam, having to say goodbye far too soon.
'He has been brought to god's home,' said Pastor Jesse Christopherson. 'And who knows, even now he's snowboarding up on the peaks in heaven or something like that.'
'I love my son. I'm going to miss him. And I wish this never happened,' added Spahnle. 'And I got to deal with the aftermath of everything. And move forward the best we can.'
Police say the three suspects should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees them should call 911.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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