Teen’s Life Hangs in Balance After Shocking Apartment Shooting by 37-Year-Old Woman

A quiet evening turned into a nightmare for a North Portland neighborhood when a 17-year-old boy—described by those who knew him as full of life and promise—was shot in the head by a 32-year-old woman inside an apartment complex. The teen, whose identity has not yet been released publicly, is now fighting for his life in a hospital bed, and the entire community is left stunned, asking: how did this happen?

A Violent Act That Shook the Block

The shooting happened just after 6:30 p.m. on December 6th near the 5000 block of North Vancouver Avenue. Residents reported hearing a single, loud bang—then chaos. When police arrived, they found the teenager lying outside the apartment complex with a gunshot wound to the head. First responders rushed him to the hospital in critical condition.

Neighbors say the boy had his whole future ahead of him. “He was a good kid,” one woman said quietly, standing near the police tape. “Always respectful, always smiling. He didn’t deserve this.”

Who Is the Suspect?

The woman accused of pulling the trigger is 32-year-old Natasha V. Molett. Police say she was inside a nearby apartment after the shooting and refused to come out when they arrived. Given the dangerous situation, Portland’s Special Emergency Reaction Team and crisis negotiators were called in. Eventually, Molett surrendered and was taken into custody without further violence.

According to officials, Molett has a history with the law and is now facing serious charges, including attempted murder, assault, and illegal firearm possession. She’s currently being held at the Multnomah County Jail.

Was There a Connection?

One of the most troubling aspects of this case is that investigators believe the suspect and the teen didn’t even know each other. Police are still working to understand what led to the shooting, and they’re asking anyone who might have seen or heard something to come forward.

“It’s tragic. There’s no other word for it,” said Sgt. Kevin Allen of the Portland Police Bureau. “We have a young person seriously hurt, a family in anguish, and a community shaken to its core.”

The Community Responds

Since the shooting, an eerie stillness has settled over the apartment complex. Residents have been lighting candles and placing flowers outside the building where it happened. Local youth groups have been checking in with families, offering support and grief counseling.

“It could’ve been my son,” said a mother who lives nearby. “Something has to change. We shouldn’t have to live like this—always scared, always wondering when it’ll happen again.”

A Larger Conversation on Gun Violence

This tragedy isn’t just about one terrible moment—it’s a painful reminder of how gun violence continues to devastate families and communities across the country. While details are still unfolding, many are calling for greater attention to mental health resources, conflict resolution programs, and community policing efforts that prioritize prevention.

Parents are hugging their children a little tighter this week. Teens who might’ve walked past that apartment are now asking if it’s safe to even hang out outside.

“We’ve got to do better,” one neighbor said through tears. “This wasn’t just a news story. This was someone’s child. And now his whole future—college, career, love, family—could be gone in an instant.”

What’s Next?

As the 17-year-old continues to receive treatment, loved ones are holding onto hope. Police say the investigation is active and ongoing, and they’re urging anyone with information to come forward, even anonymously, to help piece together what happened.

In the meantime, the community is rallying—hoping for healing, hoping for answers, and most of all, hoping this young boy pulls through.