The tragic story of Shaani Mohamed, a Somali immigrant and father of eight, who was murdered in Portland in 2022, continues to unfold as a third suspect has been arrested.
On Thursday, November 20, 2025, news broke of the arrest of Shaperryia L. Lambert, 41, in connection with the fatal shooting of Shaani Mohamed. Mohamed, a 39-year-old Somali immigrant, was an Uber driver and a father of eight children. He was killed on March 27, 2022, while working in Northeast Portland. The arrest of Lambert marks the third person charged in this heartbreaking case.
According to the police, Lambert was taken into custody in Northeast Portland and is facing charges of second-degree murder. Court records indicate that she was allegedly involved in an attempted robbery that led to Mohamed's shooting as she was fleeing the scene. She is now held at the Multnomah County Detention Center, and Mohamed's family has been notified of her arrest.
But here's where it gets controversial... The other two suspects, Justin Ortega-Mejia, 28, and Kaesha Green, 41, were arrested earlier this year and also face second-degree murder charges. Their trial is scheduled to begin in December. This case highlights the ongoing challenges of crime and violence within the community.
Mohamed was discovered with fatal gunshot wounds inside his vehicle near Northeast Milton Street and Northeast 82nd Avenue around 9:30 p.m. on the night of the shooting. Emergency responders tried to save him, but sadly, he died at the scene. Police believe Mohamed was working a late-night Uber shift when he was targeted during a robbery. The area where he was found has been identified as one of Portland's most violent areas, with several homicides and numerous shootings reported since 2021.
Mohamed's story is one of resilience. He immigrated to Portland almost two decades ago, escaping conflict in Somalia. He was a well-known member of the city's Somali community, known for his calm nature, love of soccer, and devotion to his family. He previously played for Walalo, Oregon’s first Somali football club. He leaves behind his wife and eight children, including two teenagers who have since graduated high school and a toddler who was an infant at the time of his death.
Musse Olol, president of the Somali American Council of Oregon, expressed that while the arrest offers some relief, the pain for the family continues. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $60,000 to support Mohamed’s family, and community members continue to assist with housing and living expenses.
The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact homicide detectives at [emailprotected] or call 503-823-0479, referencing case number 22-82299.
And this is the part most people miss... The impact of this crime extends far beyond the immediate family. It raises questions about community safety, the challenges faced by immigrants, and the ongoing struggle with violence in certain areas. What do you think about the community's response to this tragedy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
