Gresham, Oregon – A renewed and urgent appeal has been issued by law enforcement and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office for public assistance in locating three suspects tied to the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Liam Spahnle-Bailey. The innocent teenager was tragically killed by stray gunfire in April while he slept in his home, a shocking event that has deeply impacted the community and fueled an ongoing, intensive investigation. Authorities, including Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez and Gresham Police, are emphasizing the critical need for information to bring those responsible to justice.
A Life Cut Short: The Tragic Incident
The devastating incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, April 27, 2025, at an apartment complex in the 4700 block of Southwest 11th Street in Gresham, Oregon. Liam Spahnle-Bailey was asleep in his father’s apartment when bullets, fired from a neighboring unit during an apparent exchange of gunfire, pierced through the walls and struck him. Officers from the Gresham Police Department, along with fire and paramedic personnel, quickly responded, rendering immediate aid at the scene. Liam was then rushed to a local hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
The shooting also left another individual injured, who was found a short distance from the scene. This second victim was transported to a local hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening, injuries and has since been released. Their identity has not been disclosed by authorities.
Remembering Liam Spahnle-Bailey
Liam Spahnle-Bailey, a middle school student, was described by family and friends as a bright, joyful, and promising young man. He was known for his loving, funny, and genuine nature, and was cherished as a great friend and son. A passionate sports enthusiast, Liam loved snowboarding and skateboarding, and had plans to go snowboarding with his father on the very day he was killed. His untimely death has left his family heartbroken and the broader Gresham community in mourning.
Family members, including his father, William Spahnle, and older brother, Gordon Mott-Bailey, have publicly expressed their profound grief and called for accountability. A GoFundMe campaign was initiated by a family friend to assist with unexpected expenses, reflecting the community’s desire to support Liam’s loved ones through this unimaginable loss.
The Unfolding Investigation and Suspect Identification
The complex investigation into Liam’s homicide is being spearheaded by the East County Major Crimes Team, an interagency collaborative unit. This team comprises detectives from the Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Port of Portland Police Department, and Oregon State Police, working in conjunction with attorneys from the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. The intensive effort led to a significant breakthrough in May 2025 when investigators publicly identified three suspects with active warrants for their arrest.
The identified suspects are Anthony C. Hunter Jr., 20, Xavier Hirsch, 20, and Terrell Coy, 16. All three are wanted on charges of second-degree murder and other related crimes. Law enforcement has warned the public that these individuals should be considered armed and dangerous, urging anyone who spots them to immediately call 911.
Renewed Appeal for Public Assistance
On Thursday, August 21, 2025, nearly four months after the shooting, Gresham Police and Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez held a joint press conference to reiterate their urgent call for public assistance. This renewed appeal underscores the critical nature of the investigation and the determination of authorities to apprehend the suspects who remain at large. Gresham Assistant Chief of Police Andrew Shearer emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Liam was just a child — bright, joyful and full of promise. This is not just a case, it is a family devastated, community mourning, and a call to action.”
To encourage public cooperation, new rewards have been offered for information that leads to the arrest of the trio of suspects. Each suspect has a $5,000 reward attached to information leading to their apprehension, totaling $15,000 for all three. Detectives Lindsay Friderich and Martin Daly are the primary contacts for any potential leads, with specific contact information provided by the Gresham Police Department.
Community Impact and Broader Concerns in Oregon
Liam Spahnle-Bailey’s death is a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of gun violence, extending beyond intended targets to impact innocent lives. Gresham Police Chief Travis Gullberg underscored this point, stating, “Today, our entire community is mourning the killing of an innocent child. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, classmates, and neighbors.” District Attorney Nathan Vasquez echoed these sentiments, calling the incident “an example of horrific violence in our community” and lamenting the “senseless, violent manner” in which Liam’s young life was lost.
This tragedy also highlights a disturbing trend of increased gun violence in Gresham, Oregon, particularly involving teenage victims and suspects. Officials have noted a concerning number of homicides involving teenagers in the city this year. The ongoing nature of the investigation and the call for public help underscore the challenges facing law enforcement in combating this surge in violence and bringing perpetrators to justice in the state of Oregon.
Authorities remain resolute in their commitment to solving Liam’s case and holding those responsible accountable. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office and Gresham Police continue to urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. The safety and well-being of the Oregon community rely on collaborative efforts to remove dangerous individuals from the streets and prevent further senseless acts of violence.
