PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) has identified and is asking the public's help in finding a person of interest in the fatal stabbing of a young woman last fall.
Tiara Atencio, a 22-year-old mother, had been spending time at her sister's house after attending church when she decided to take the bus back home.
Tragically, on Oct. 19, 2023, Portland police reported that Atencio was fatally stabbed.
Now, authorities are seeking assistance to locate a man they believe may have information about the incident.
"Turn yourself in," urged Fenicia Damian, Atencio's sister. "As long as we're alive, we will continue searching. We will never stop looking for answers."
The last time Damian saw her sister, was just before Atencio boarded the bus on the night of her murder.
"She left around 9:30 p.m.," Damian recalled. "I asked her to let me know when she got home but that was the last time we spoke."
Later that same night, PPB responded to an assault report on 68th and Southeast Powell, where Atencio was found stabbed to death.
"We miss her every single day," Damian expressed tearfully. "We are shattered and lost. We wish she could be with us. The pain is unbearable."
For nine months, Atencio's family had no leads on the circumstances of her death.
RELATED: 'It hurts': Family of young mom who died after South Tabor stabbing asks suspect to come forward
However, on Tuesday, PPB released photos of an unidentified man aboard a TriMet bus — now considered a person of interest in the case. They are appealing to the public for any information that could help identify him.
"Now that we have a face, we can make progress," Damian said. "Please, if you know him or have any information, let us know. Help us find peace."
Atencio sister is looking for the public's help in holding anyone involved in the deadly stabbing responsible.
"We want accountability for those responsible," Damian emphasized. "Tiara was someone special."
Anyone with information regarding the man pictured below is urged to contact the Portland Police Homicide Unit by contacting Detective Scott Broughton Scott.Broughton@police.portlandoregon.gov, (503) 823-3774, or Detective Eric McDaniel Eric.McDaniel@police.portlandoregon.gov, 503-823-0833, and reference case number 23-274506.
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.
