PORTLAND, Oregon — Lee Mauras was looking forward to wrestling at Clackamas Community College and raising his young son, according to family members. But now, the 22-year-old will never get that chance.
According to Portland police, Mauras was shot and killed in downtown Portland early Sunday morning. Around 2:41 a.m., officers assigned to the Central Precinct’s Entertainment District Detail heard shots fired near West Burnside Street and Southwest 3rd Avenue. When police responded, they found Mauras, dead in a parking lot.
“This is a hard situation,” said Jovan Mauras, Lee’s older brother. “My mom's distraught; my dad is in pieces.”
Jovan said his family, including Lee, was from New York. He said Lee had recently moved to Oregon and committed to wrestling for Clackamas Community College. He described Lee as a gifted athlete who also competed on Puerto Rico's National Team.
“That was his passion. He really did love to wrestle,” said Jovan. “But that's just one of the things that he was great at. He was a real loving kid.”
Lee was also a father. Jovan said Lee’s son, Lee Jr., will turn 2 years old in December.
“He was a great dad,” said Jovan. “He really loved his son.”
On social media, Mauras's old high school, Freeport, said, "It deeply saddens us to announce the loss of one of our brothers, Lee Mauras. Lee was a loving father, brother, son and friend. As tough as he was on the mat, his kind heart is what we will always remember about him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lee's family and friends during this difficult time."
Brett Sanchez, the head wrestling coach at Clackamas Community College, also wrote a tribute to Maurus on his Facebook, saying:
"The program and the world lost a good young man on Sunday morning. Lee Mauras is no longer with us. Lee moved here on August 1st, 2024, to start his new journey as a Clackamas Cougar. The program and the community here at the college accepted Lee, and we saw the desire and the direction he wanted for himself as a student-athlete. He was so easy to be attached to and well respected by everybody over here. His new family here at Clackamas Community College is in a dark place at the moment, and our condolences go to his family back at home in New York, and especially to his little son LJ. LJ, your dad made everything about you and came here to accomplish his goals for you and just wanted you to have a great role model to look up to. Stay in tune as we announce more details to help Lee's family for the next steps to help them with this devastating time. We love you, Lee Mauras!"
As loved ones raise money to support Lee's family, police are continuing their homicide investigation.
Anyone with any information about the shooting is asked to contact Detective Shaye Samora at Shaye.Samora@police.portlandoregon.gov or call 503-823-0768. They can also reach Detective Mike Schmerber at Michael.Schmerber@police.portlandoregon.gov or call 503-823-0991. Reference case No. 24-255846.
More Than A Number aims to help give a face and a voice to victims and families impacted by tragedies. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a homicide and would like to share your story, you can reach out to us by sending an email to morethananumber@kgw.com.