Family honors man shot dead in Portland's Buckman neighborhood

PORTLAND, Oregon – Dushonia Calabaza lost her younger brother, Donny Calabaza, on Aug. 18. “What happened to him should not have happened,” she said.

He was shot in the Buckman neighborhood at the corner of Southeast Washington and 9th Avenue. “They must have felt some kind of hatred, or they were angry about something, or they knew you. It can't just be someone shooting you. Something had to happen,” she said.

Donny Calabaza was one of three people shot between Sunday and Monday. So far, Portland police have not found a suspect in any of the killings. Although the number of deaths from gun violence has decreased compared to the last two years, that does not diminish the number of families who continue to lose loved ones today.

“And when you're standing at the door or going to visit your family, you get shot and someone shoots you. That's not okay, that's scary,” said Dushonia Calabaza.

His close friend Stuart Crazybull describes him as generous and active in Indigenous events throughout Portland. “From powwows to ceremonies, sweat lodge circles to Sundance, no matter what Indigenous organization we're with, we usually just show up and support or participate,” Crazybull said.

They are turning to the community for answers about his death and support with his funeral, saying nothing is more important to them than tradition.

“We can take him to Mount Hood, a sacred place where he will be buried. His ashes, his clothes, bow and arrows, a knife, meat and water will be brought back so he can take it with him on the next journey,” said Dushonia Calabaza.

Donny Calabaza leaves behind a 17-year-old son who also lived in Portland. His family has set up a GoFundMe page for anyone who would like to show their support and help cover funeral expenses.

On Wednesday, friends and family will honor his life with those in the Native American community who loved Donny Calabaza at an official powwow.

More Than A Number aims to give a face and a voice to victims and families affected by tragedy. If you or someone you know has been a victim of murder and would like to share your story, you can reach us by email at [email protected].