PORTLAND, Ore. — Nearly one year ago, 22-year-old Geavauntae Sherman was shot and killed while celebrating his little sister's birthday in a southeast Portland park.
Portland police have not arrested the person responsible for murdering Sherman. On Wednesday, the FBI announced it's offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information that leads to the person's arrest and conviction.
"It's very frustrating every day," Alydia Nacoste, Sherman's mother, told KGW on Wednesday. "I just want answers and justice for [Geavauntae]. He's not able to speak for himself now."
On June 20, 2022, officers responded to a shooting around 10:10 p.m. at Raymond City Park, which is located near the intersection of Southeast 118th Avenue and Liebe Street.
KGW spoke to Sherman's family members in the days following the deadly shooting. Family members said another large group at the park got into an argument with them over a swing, and that Sherman had stepped in to try to calm everyone down when he was shot.
The family members called 911, but couldn't get through to anyone so they put Sherman in a car and headed for the hospital. They spotted a police vehicle near Southeast 122nd Avenue and Division Street. Family members said the officer checked Sherman's pulse, but he died.
A KGW crew went to Raymond City Park after the deadly shooting and found food, cups and other personal items left behind.
"I think it's sad, my son lost his life for no reason and there's no justice," Nacoste said on Wednesday. "The sisters are struggling every day, trying to go back to school and live a normal life and it's been traumatizing and hard for them."
The FBI believes a man from the other group murdered Sherman. The man has not been identified.
"Geavauntae Sherman was celebrating his little sister’s birthday when he was killed in the middle of a Portland city park. An argument that began over playground equipment ended in loss of life," said Kieran L. Ramsey with the FBI Portland Field Office in a news release on Wednesday.
Ramsey added that there were dozens of witnesses in the park at the time of the deadly shooting. He wants those witnesses to come forward and share what they remember.
"We hope the $15,000 reward will encourage anyone with information to reach out to the FBI and to help this family get the justice they deserve," Ramsey said.
If you have information about the case, you can submit an anonymous tip on the FBI's website. You can also contact the FBI Portland Field Office at 503-224-4181, your local FBI office, or your nearest American Embassy or Consulate.