The victim was identified by the Oregon State Medical Examiner as 24-year-old Joseph Robert Sipe. His cause and manner of death was homicide by blunt and sharp force trauma. His family has been notified of his death.

No additional details are being released. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Jennifer Hertzler Jennifer.Hertzler@portlandoregon.gov 503-823-1040 or Detective Rico Beniga Rico.Beniga@portlandoregon.gov 503-823-0457.

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On May 25, 2021 Portland Police Bureau Homicide Detectives, the Portland Fire Bureau, the Multnomah County Medical Examiner's Office, and the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office initiated a death investigation at a transient camp at Northeast 78th Avenue and Northeast Schuyler Street. Officers had been dispatched there on a welfare check at about 5:08 p.m. and asked for detectives when they found a person deceased.

Officers from East Precinct located and detained 40-year-old Aaron D. Christopher in the 6500 block of Northeast Halsey Street shortly after the incident was reported.

Christopher was later booked into the Multnomah County jail on charges of Murder II and Abuse of a Corpse.

This is an ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released at the direction of the investigators.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Jennifer Hertzler Jennifer.Hertzler@portlandoregon.gov 503-823-1040 or Detective Rico Beniga Rico.Beniga@portlandoregon.gov 503-823-0457.

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On May 25, 2021 at about 5:08 p.m., Portland Police officers responded to a welfare check in the Madison South neighborhood near Northeast 78th Avenue and Northeast Schuyler Street. Officers arrived and found a person deceased.

This is an ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released at the direction of the investigators. An autopsy will be scheduled to determine the manner and cause of death.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Jennifer Hertzler Jennifer.Hertzler@portlandoregon.gov 503-823-1040 or Detective Rico Beniga Rico.Beniga@portlandoregon.gov 503-823-0457.
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