Family remembers 17-year-old killed in Gresham shooting

GRESHAM, ORE. — A 17-year-old was shot and killed Saturday night in Gresham, and police arrested four suspects accused of his murder.

Flowers, balloons and childhood photos mark the spot where Jose Ricardo Morales was murdered. About 30 family members and friends gathered Sunday on the sidewalk where he was killed to say goodbye to the teen.

The four suspects in the case - Obed Garcia, 15, Francisco Martinez-Chavez, 16, his elder brother Cristian Martinez-Chavez, 17, and 20-year-old Isai Guzman-Ramirez - have yet to be formally charged in the case.

Investigators told KATU News the suspects were contacted by police four blocks away from where Morales was shot, and less than five minutes after the first patrol car arrived at the scene.

Morales's mother, Celia Santiago, was there for most of the day. She said she couldn't leave the spot where her son died.

"My son's blood is laying right there, still on the sidewalk. We got him flowers and we're just trying to think positive about him," Santiago said.

Sunday morning, she said, a detective called her at 5 am to tell her that her son was dead. She said she was in shock when KATU News spoke with her Sunday evening.

"It's hard to process. I'm still in shock. I can't believe it. I'm still not believing it. I don't know how it's going to be for me when I actually see my sons body," she said.

Morales is described by family as kind, humble and responsible. Santiago said Jose had a job, and was smart enough to save his money.

Her son, she said, was born premature. She said he was in the hospital for four months before he could go home. Santiago said he grew up to be strong.

"He was my strongest child. He was buff and was in MMA."

Morales's aunt, Selenny Santiago, remembers holding him when he was a baby.

"He was hooked up to a machine and ever since that first day that I held him I fell in love with my nephew," Selenny Santiago said.

Santiago lives about ten blocks away from where her nephew was shot and killed. His death, she said, happened at a bad time, because the teen's mother is going through a hard time herself.

"She recently lost her home. She's been in shelters and staying in cars," she told KATU News.

Celia Santiago said she was with her son Saturday night before he was shot.

"We had $1.50 and we went to buy Top Ramen because that's all we could afford. My son, he such a good kid and he loves me so much and he so thoughtful and considerate, he's like 'Mom, I'm only going to eat half, you can have the rest of my noodles."

Police said a medical examiner will conduct an autopsy Monday.

Family have set up a GoFundMe to help with expenses as they plan the teen's funeral expenses.