PORTLAND, Ore. — Dushonia Calabaza lost her younger brother, Donny Calabaza on August 18. “What happened to him shouldn’t have happened,” she said.
He was shot and killed in the Buckman neighborhood at the corner of Southeast Washington and 9th Avenue. “They must have had some type of hatred, or they were upset about something, or they knew you. It wouldn’t just be someone out there to shoot you. Something had to happen,” she said.
Donny Calabaza was one of three people shot and killed between Sunday and Monday. So far, Portland police have yet to find suspects in any of the murders. While gun violence deaths have dropped compared to the last two years, it doesn’t take away from the families still losing their loved ones today.
“And you get shot walking outside your door or going to visit family, and someone shoots at you. It’s not okay, it’s scary," said Dushonia Calabaza.
His close friend, Stuart Crazybull, describes him as generous and active at Indigenous events across Portland. “From powwows to ceremonies, sweat lodge circles, and Sundance. Whatever Native organization, we just usually show up and support or participate,” Crazybull said.
They are reaching out to the community for answers about his death and support for his burial, saying nothing is more important to them than tradition.
“Being able to take him to Mount Hood to a sacred place where he’ll be buried. That’s going to come with his ashes, his clothing, a bow and arrow, a knife, meat, and water so he can take it on to the next journey,” Dushonia Calabaza said.
Donny Calabaza leaves behind a 17-year-old son who also lived in Portland. His family has set up a GoFundMe for anyone interested in showing support and helping cover burial expenses.
On Wednesday, friends and family will celebrate his life with those within the Native American community who loved Donny Calabaza with an official powwow.
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