A family’s grief overflowed at a Milwaukie, Oregon funeral as Jessica Bailey sobbed for her 13-year-old son, Liam Spahnle-Bailey, whose life was cut short by gunfire while he slept.

According to the Daily Mail, Liam was killed in the early hours of April 27 when bullets from a neighboring apartment pierced the walls of his home, fatally striking him as he looked forward to a snowboarding trip with his father.

The tragedy has devastated not only Liam’s family but also the wider Milwaukie community as police continue to search for three young suspects wanted for murder in connection with the shooting.

Family Left Reeling by Sudden Loss

Liam’s mother, Jessica Bailey, described the heartbreak of having to bury her young son on what should have been his 14th birthday. Instead of a birthday celebration, the family was forced to plan his funeral, a task Bailey said she could never have prepared for.

Bailey’s pain was echoed by Liam’s brother, Gordon, who expressed a sense of helplessness and fear for his own safety, wondering what could possibly prevent such a tragedy from happening again—either to him or to other families in their community.

Liam was rushed to the hospital after the shooting, but despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries. The family’s anguish has become emblematic of the far-reaching effects of gun violence, especially when innocent children are caught in the crossfire.

Police Name Suspects and Issue Warrants

Authorities have identified three suspects in connection with Liam’s death: Anthony Hunter Jr, 20; Xavier Hirsch, 20; and Terrell Coy, 16. All three are wanted on warrants for second-degree murder. Police have described the suspects as armed and dangerous, urging anyone with information on their whereabouts to come forward.

The Gresham Police Department, which is leading the investigation, released a statement emphasizing the broader impact of Liam’s killing. Police Chief Travis Gullberg noted that the tragedy serves as a reminder of how gun violence extends its reach far beyond its intended targets, affecting families, classmates, and entire communities.

He pledged that law enforcement would do everything possible to hold those responsible for Liam’s death accountable, vowing not to rest until justice is served.

Community Honors Liam’s Memory at Skate Park

In the wake of the tragedy, Liam’s family and friends gathered at Stronger Skatepark, one of his favorite places, to remember the teen and celebrate his life. On Monday, the skatepark hosted free skate lessons and youth skate times in Liam’s honor, while custom skateboards were sold to benefit his family.

Liam was remembered as a loving, funny, and genuine friend and son. His friends described him as always having a smile on his face and bringing happiness to those around him. Liam’s love for snowboarding and skateboarding was celebrated as part of his lasting legacy. A GoFundMe campaign for the family highlighted Liam’s positive impact, stating that he touched the lives of many and was deeply loved by his family and friends.

Liam’s girlfriend, Grace, shared her heartbreak in a TikTok post, mourning the future they had imagined together and expressing her anger at the universe for taking him away. She described Liam as her soulmate, best friend, and the person who made her happiest. Jessica Bailey marked what would have been Liam’s 14th birthday with a poignant message on Facebook:

Happy 14th Birthday and your first as an Angel in Heaven. My sweet Boy, I miss you so much, this is tremendously heartbreaking.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

This devastating incident offers hard but essential lessons for us all. While we can never predict or control every threat, awareness and community action can help reduce the risk of similar tragedies:

1. Gun violence knows no boundaries. Liam was asleep in bed when bullets fired elsewhere ended his life. We must advocate for safer handling of firearms and stricter accountability for illegal use, even in seemingly quiet neighborhoods.

2. Community involvement is crucial in supporting victims. After Liam’s death, Stronger Skatepark and residents stepped in to celebrate his memory and support his family. Getting involved in memorial events and fundraisers can help families cope emotionally and financially.

3. Tragedy can happen to anyone, anywhere. Liam’s story reminds us that no level of preparation guarantees safety. While we can follow best practices for personal safety, it’s essential not to blame victims. Instead, we must seek justice and advocate for change to reduce risk and improve safety in our communities.

Why This Story Matters

The senseless loss of Liam Spahnle-Bailey illustrates how deeply one violent act can ripple through a family, a school, and a city. This tragedy is not just a statistic—it’s a stolen life, a grieving mother, and a community shaken to its core. It challenges all of us to examine how we respond to gun violence and the weight of responsibility shared across neighborhoods, police departments, and policymakers. Real lives hang in the balance, and Liam's story is a heartbreaking reminder of our collective duty to protect them.

Conclusion

Liam Spahnle-Bailey, just 13 years old, was fatally shot in his sleep by bullets fired from a neighbor’s apartment in Milwaukie, Oregon, on April 27. He died hours before a planned father-son snowboarding trip. His grieving family, led by his mother, Jessica Bailey, has focused on mourning and is now pursuing justice. Authorities have named three suspects—Anthony Hunter Jr., Xavier Hirsch, and Terrell Coy—concerning the incident, with arrest warrants active and the suspects considered armed and dangerous. Memorial events and fundraisers have honored Liam’s passions and the life he was meant to live.