The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the manner and cause of death to be homicide by gunshot wound
The victim in the Sept. 30 homicide in Portland’s Hazelwood Neighborhood has been identified as 35-year-old Dusty Baker, of Vancouver. The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the manner and cause of death to be homicide by gunshot wound. Baker’s family has been notified of his death. Baker’s family is asking for privacy at this time.
According to Portland Police Bureau officials, Baker died at a Portland-area hospital. Homicide Unit detectives pursued leads after the shooting. Due to the complexity of the case, additional detectives from multiple Portland Police investigative units, Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT), Crisis Negotiation Team, Narcotics and Organized Crime, Focused Intervention Team, Air Support Unit, Forensic Evidence Division, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, and Clackamas County Sheriff’s office patrol division assisted on the case.
On the evening of the shooting, which took place at 2:14 a.m., detectives and SERT arrested Stephen Matthew Toelle in Happy Valley. The 31-year-old Toelle, of Portland, was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on an arrest warrant for Murder in the Second Degree, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
The victim will be identified after the medical examiner verifies his identity and family has been notified of his death.
East Precinct officers were notified of shots heard in the 200 block of Southeast 148th Avenue. A short time later, they were notified that a shooting victim had been taken to a hospital by private vehicle. East officers responded with the help from Central Precinct officers and began an investigation. They determined that the incident was related to the shots call and they located a crime scene at the original call location.
If anyone has information about this incident, contact Det. Mike Jones at Michael.Jones@police.portlandoregon.gov or (503) 823-1063 or Det. Jeff Sharp at Jeff.Sharp@police.portlandoregon.gov or (503) 823-9773.
Information provided by Portland Police Bureau.
Also read:
- Opinion: Majority party policies still making life more expensive for Washingtonians
Rep. John Ley outlines his opposition to new taxes, raises concerns about state spending, and details legislation he plans to pursue during the 2026 Washington legislative session. - Fluoride fights bubble up around Washington
City councils across Washington are debating whether to remove fluoride from drinking water as dental and health experts cite long-standing evidence of its safety and benefits. - Opinion: What happens when you build a state budget on the most volatile tax sources?
Ryan Frost argues that relying on volatile tax sources like income and capital gains taxes risks destabilizing Washington’s budget and undermining long-term fiscal planning. - Battle Ground City Council welcomes new and re-elected members
The Battle Ground City Council seated new and returning members and selected Eric Overholser as mayor and Aimee Vaile as deputy mayor during its first meeting of 2026. - Ty Stober announces candidacy for Clark County auditor
Vancouver City Council Member Ty Stober announced his candidacy for Clark County auditor following Greg Kimsey’s decision not to seek re-election. - Ridgefield American Legion Post 44 names its Legionnaire of the Year
Ridgefield American Legion Post 44 named Jade Bourke its 2025 Legionnaire of the Year, honoring his leadership, military service, and longstanding contributions to Ridgefield and nearby communities. - Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey announces he won’t seek re-election
Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey announced he will not seek re-election after more than 25 years in office, citing confidence in his staff and a desire to continue public service in other ways.
Very sad. Rest in peace. I have been warning folks to steer clear of Portland whenever they can because…well…we here in Clark County know why well enough. Portland used to be a great place but alas…no longer. I do hope that folks in Oregon do the right thing and elect new leaders who…like me…never appreciated the slogan…”Keep Portland Weird”. Take care. Gd bless!
Dusty Baker was a career felon criminal who robbed and burglarized local business. Recently arrested for a string of crimes in Clackamas County, Oregon. Good riddence.