Portland Man Slain Outside Pizza Parlor Remembered By Family

PORTLAND, OR — Jacob Knight-Vasquez would have turned 35 on Tuesday. On Wednesday, his sister and brother-in-law came to Portland where he was killed almost two weeks ago to let people know what the city has lost.

"We want justice for Jacob," his sister, Wendy Vasquez-Osbon told reporters at a news conference across the street from the Silver Dollar Pizza Company on NW 21st Ave. and Glisan St., where Jacob was shot and killed.

Portland Police said they do not believe that Knight-Vasquez was targeted. He'd walked across The Pharmacy, a neighborhood bar, to get a slice of pizza around 2 a.m. on the morning of Sept. 24. As he walked inside, the gunman walked by, firing shots into the pizza place.

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Two others were wounded by gunfire. Both survived.

"My brother was full of life, love," Vasquez-Osbon said. "Everyone who knew him in this neighborhood loved him. He was the kindest soul. He never wanted anything bad to befall anyone."

Jacob arrived in Portland in 2009, moving with his partner from Taft, California, just outside of Bakersfield. He was the youngest of eight children.

"He was the baby of the family," his sister, 13 years older and the next youngest in the family, said. "We all spoiled him. He grew up full of life and love. The whole environment would change when he walked into a room.

"Even if you were having a bad day, he would not let it continue. He would do cartwheels across the street to turn your frown upside down."

Vasquez-Osborn's husband, Don Osborn, addressed the shooter directly, urging him to turn himself in.

"I'm not sure if you thought what you did that night was an act of bravery," Osborn said. "I want to challenge you. A bigger act of bravery would be turning yourself into authorities for taking an innocent life."

Wendy thanked Portland for the outpouring of love and support and said it was indicative of her brother's ability to make friends.

"Jacob never met a stranger," she said.