CORRECTION: This version corrects Jack Dekker’s age. He was 58 at the time of his death. The Bureau regrets the error.
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A suspect has been arrested in the April 2021 homicide of Jack Dekker in the Goose Hollow Neighborhood, and a non-sworn Portland Police Bureau employee is also facing criminal charges related to the case.
This week, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office convened a Grand Jury to review evidence in the case. The Grand Jury indicted Bruce Chirre, 38, for Manslaughter in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
His spouse, Karen S. Chirre, 53, was indicted on charges of Hindering Prosecution (3 counts), Official Misconduct in the First Degree, and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Karen Chirre is an Administrative Supervisor assigned to East Precinct. She has worked for PPB for 28 years and has been on administrative leave since April 2021 during a pending internal investigation.
On Friday, March 17, 2023, Bruce and Karen Chirre were arrested and booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on their warrants.
"Police personnel are held to a higher standard," said Chief Chuck Lovell. "Any time it is alleged that a member of the Police Bureau has acted improperly, we owe it to our community to conduct a complete and thorough investigation. I want to thank the hard work of officers, detectives, criminalists, and other Bureau members for their work investigating this case.”
Jack Dekker’s cause of death was determined by the medical examiner to be homicidal violence. His family has been notified of the arrest.
No further information is being released at this time. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Jennifer Hertzler Jennifer.Hertzler@police.portlandoregon.gov 503-823-1040 or Detective Rico Beniga Rico.Beniga@police.portlandoregon.gov 503-823-0457. Please reference case number 21-90461.
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***Original Messages Below***
Deceased male found on sidewalk in Goose Hollow neighborhood identified - investigation continues
April 06, 2021 17:01
The deceased man found on a sidewalk near Southwest Morrison Street and Southwest 20th Avenue early Monday, has been identified as 58-year-old Jack L. Dekker, of Portland.
The cause and manner of death are still under investigation. Mr. Dekker's next of kin has asked for privacy at this time.
This is an ongoing investigation. Any additional information will be released by the investigators.
Anyone with information about this case 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.
###PPB###
On April 5, 2021, at about 1:40 a.m., Portland Police received a call regarding a dead body on the sidewalk near Southwest Morrison Street and Southwest 20th Avenue. Portland Fire and Rescue had been in the area regarding a fire related issue, and were flagged down about the dead body.
Police arrived and were directed to the body, a male. Police and established a crime scene and Portland Police Homicide Detectives responded to begin an investigation. The investigation is ongoing. An autopsy will be scheduled for a date and time to be determined. The Oregon State Medical Examiner's office will determine cause and manner of death.
Any additional information will be released by the investigators.
Anyone with information about the body found near Southwest Morrison Street and Southwest 20th Avenue, 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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