Today, Dec. 1, the flag of the City of Portland is lowered to half-staff to honor 4-year old Ashawn Lorenzo Medina-Barr. He and his mother, Tameka Medina, were victims of domestic violence-related homicide.
"This was a devastating incident where two young lives were cut short," said Police Commissioner Dan Saltzman. "Our thoughts are with the family, particularly Ashawn's sister and grandmother."
Ashawn's grandmother, Brenda Medina, will offer testimony to the Portland City Council at the December 2 Council meeting at 9:30am following a statement from Commissioner Saltzman. She will also receive donations during a private ceremony in Commissioner Saltzman's office from the Healing Roots Center, which supports African-American survivors of domestic violence.
City Council approved a resolution in April 2009 to lower the City's flag in honor of children who die from abuse, neglect, or homicidal violence. The City flag will be lowered once a month on the day that corresponds to the number of deaths from the previous month.
Portland and Seattle
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