GRESHAM, Ore. — The Gresham Police Department (GPD) is still looking for answers in a nearly seven-year-old unsolved homicide. Eddie Wallace Sr. was found dead in his Gresham apartment on January 20, 2017.
"It has been almost seven years since the brutal slaying of Eddie in his own home, with his son present. I used to carry Eddie on my hip before he was old enough to walk," said Carla Stanlick, Wallace's godmother. "To lose anyone you love is tragic."
Stanlick said on the day of Wallace's murder, family members were waiting for him at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church to bury his maternal grandmother. That's when the family was notified of his passing. And in the close to seven years since, no arrest has been made.
"A day in history that none of us will ever forget," Stanlick said. "To lose anyone you love is tragic, but the senseless and heartbreaking way he was taken is something none of us will ever recover from. It has been a long, stressful, overwhelming time for everyone who knew and loved him."
GPD said officers responded to a burglary alarm at Wallace's home on Southeast 176th Avenue, where they found him dead from a gunshot wound. Wallace's teenage son was also found safe inside the home.
Detectives found that multiple gunmen forced their way into Wallace's home. They also interview witnesses, reviewed surveillance video, and executed multiple search warrants to seize evidence. Despite their efforts, no arrests have been made to this day, according to GPD.
"We will never stop seeking justice for Mr. Wallace and his family," said Detective Adam Wright. "I believe someone in the community has information that would allow us to hold Eddie's killers accountable. We are asking for them to come forward now."
Now Stanlick, along with Wallace's family and police, are asking community members for help finding more information into Wallace's death.
"We are again reaching out for anyone who has information, compassion, or a heart... to speak out if you know or have heard anything," Stanlick said in a statement. "Nothing will ever take the pain or loss away, but it would be some comfort to know whoever did this can be held accountable! A mother lost her son. Sisters lost a brother. And his children, grandchildren, cousins, and loved ones lost a part of their hearts that day."
Crime Stoppers are offering a reward to help solve the case. Anyone with information is also urged to contact Detective Wright at adam.wright@greshamoregon.gov or 503-618-2233. Tips are also being accepted anonymously at Crime Stoppers of Oregon.
