Arrest made in Just Compassion murder
Tigard Police were called to the Just Compassion Resource Center at the 12200 block of SW Hall Blvd., which provides services to people experiencing houselessness, just before 1 PM on Sunday, June 26. Arriving officers found a man dead in a backyard area of the property.
The victim, in this case, is William Edward Mayberry, age 53. Investigators believe Harrison Douglas-Myles McBride, age 26, killed Mr. Mayberry. Both men have ties to the property, and Mr. McBride had recently been trespassed.
Mr. McBride has been taken to the Washington County Jail and charged with second-degree murder. He is also facing additional charges for unrelated probation violations.
15-year-old charged in teen stabbing
The Tigard Police Department is investigating a stabbing where a 15-year-old boy reportedly stabbed another 15-year-old boy.
Just before 3:30 PM today, officers were called to Cook Park for an assault with a weapon. Responding officers found a 15-year-old victim who had been stabbed. He was rushed to the hospital and is in stable condition.
Witnesses immediately identified the suspect, who was located nearby by responding officers. He was safely taken into custody and transferred to the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Center on charges of assault II and unlawful use of a weapon.
Because he is a juvenile, the suspect’s name is not being released at this time.
Susan Kosmala named new principal at Twality middle school
Tigard-Tualatin School District (TTSD) Director of Secondary Amber Fields announced today that Susan Kosmala will be the new principal at Twality Middle School. Kosmala steps into the role on July 1, 2022, with the departure of current Principal Andrew Kearl who was named the new principal at Beaverton High School.
“We are so excited to welcome Susan to the Twality family,” said Director Fields. “Her tenure as a Middle School Principal, instructional knowledge as well as deep value and proven fight for equitable and inclusive practices, are just a few of the reasons families, students and staff selected her to be the next Twality Principal. Susan believes in being visible and ensuring staff, families and students feel seen, valued and heard. Further, she knows the social and emotional needs of middle school students post-pandemic and is passionate about serving at this level.”
Kosmala has served in education with Portland Public Schools (PPS) for 18 years, most recently as principal at Jackson Middle School for the past three years. Prior to PPS, she served in the Office of Educational Improvement and Innovation with the Oregon Department of Education. Susan has also been a teacher in the Salem-Keizer School District, Freeport Public Schools, Lansing School District, and Pittsburgh Public Schools.
“I am very excited to join TTSD,” said Kosmala. “I have long respected the cutting-edge work the district is known for. I am a data-driven leader and prioritize school climate, specifically students’ sense of belonging and voice. These are values that lead TTSD’s work and I look forward to lending my experience and talents to further this work.”
Kosmala earned her BA in Education from Michigan State University and a BM in Music Education & Applied Clarinet from the University of Hartford. She earned her MEd from Michigan State, and her Professional Administrator Licensure and Professional Teaching Licensure from the University of Portland.
Arrest made in deadly hit-and-run
An arrest has been made in a deadly hit-and-run crash that killed one woman and injured her mother.
Overnight, Tigard Police officers arrested Toma Matisoff, age 28, of Tigard. Investigators believe Mr. Matisoff was driving down SW Hall Blvd. near Lucille Court on March 4th when he hit two women who were crossing the street, then left the scene. 57-year-old Karen Kain was killed in the crash, and her 86-year-old mother was hospitalized.
In the time since the crash, detectives have been following up on leads, talking to witnesses and ultimately presented the case to a Washington County grand jury. On Friday, the grand jury indicted Mr. Matisoff on several charges.
Investigators also believe Mr. Matisoff committed additional crimes in the time since the crash, including burglary, theft and attempted burglary.
He was taken to the Washington County Jail on nine charges: hit-and-run x2, burglary I, burglary II, theft I, attempted burglary II x3 and attempted escape III for trying to break free from officers at the time of his arrest.
“I am so grateful for some resolution in this case, and I can’t imagine the pain the Kain family is continuing to endure,” said Chief Kathy McAlpine. “They are requesting privacy at this time and I would ask that their wishes be respected.”
Blood drive honoring deputy Mike Trotter kicks off during his road to recovery
On April 27, 2022, Washington County Sheriff’s Office’s Deputy Mike Trotter sustained life-threatening injuries after a horrific crash in his patrol car. Deputy Trotter was extracted from his vehicle by Firefighters and Paramedics from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue and rushed to a local hospital by Metro West Ambulance.
When Deputy Trotter arrived at the hospital, medical staff began working to save his life. Within the first few hours of caring for him, staff used 90 units of blood products on Deputy Trotter to help revive him. 90 units of blood is nearly nine times the amount of blood in the average adult.
Due to the quick thinking and resilience of all first responders and medical staff, Deputy Trotter survived and began his journey to recovery. Deputy Trotter is still severely injured, but he, his family, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office have organized a blood drive in partnership with Bloodworks Northwest to help give back to others.
Friends, family, and community members are invited to participate at any public Bloodworks Northwest location throughout the Pacific Northwest. Make sure to schedule your appointment in advance and know your donation will make a difference and could save a life.
On the day of your donation, mention Deputy Mike Trotter’s name or share the Donor Code 5453 (Deputy Trotter’s call sign) when you check-in for your appointment.
Aishiki Nag Appointed to 2nd Term as Tigard Youth City Councilor
On June 28, the Tigard City Council voted to reappoint Youth City Councilor Aishiki Nag for a 1-year term beginning July 1, 2022.
Ms. Nag completed a successful first term as Youth City Councilor with a focus on climate policy and youth engagement in local government. She created a student group called Climate Champions that contributed policy ideas, filmed a segment for the Mayor’s State of the City Address, joined city staff and consultants working on the city’s Climate Resiliency Plan and personally drafted an inclusive document on policy recommendations for climate resiliency.
Youth City Councilor Nag is clear about her passion for youth engagement in civics. She organized a successful Voter Registration Drive attended by members of the Tigard City Council, Oregon Secretary of State, Oregon State Representatives and Senators, School Board members and the TTSD Superintendent; engaged Tigard Youth Advisory Council (TYAC) members in organizing local park clean-ups, nature activities and events to give youth more spaces to volunteer and help the community.
Despite a thorough 2-month promotional campaign, the Mayor received just one application for the position. Ms. Nag was selected following an interview conducted on June 13, 2022 with Mayor Snider, Council President Lueb and previous Youth City Councilor Emilio Calderon.
Ms. Nag is already focused on her next term goals, “Over the past year I was able to get over the initial learning curve of the program and I think I am able to give better input in meetings. I want to continue working on my main goals, such as working with the internal team to come up with the finished Climate Resiliency Plan, continue leading Climate Champions and continue working with Library Director Halsted Bernard on creating a free-fridge program in downtown Tigard to reduce food waste and help the houseless community in Tigard.
For my campaign for voter registration, I want to talk to TYAC and the Teen Library Council to have more voter registration drives throughout city events, and I am working with staff to create a youth team to help promote local businesses in Downtown Tigard. I plan to advocate for my peers and hopefully use my position to help my community. I want to help vulnerable communities in Tigard get the help they need, to help make this city as equitable as possible.”
