Portland Police Announce Arrest in Eight-Year Cold Case Murder of Sunao ‘Tom’ Yamada

Portland police have arrested Stephen Versluis Jr. for the 2017 murder of Sunao 'Tom' Yamada. The breakthrough follows years of investigation by local and federal authorities.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 11:42 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WABI

A Long-Awaited Resolution for a Portland Community

The Portland Police Department achieved a significant milestone in a long-standing cold case with the arrest of a suspect in the murder of Sunao “Tom” Yamada. On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, officers took Stephen Versluis Jr. into custody, ending a search for answers that began more than eight years ago. Yamada, a 67-year-old man who was experiencing homelessness at the time of his death, was found deceased on September 10, 2017, near the intersection of Temple and Federal streets in the heart of the city.

The Investigative Persistence of Local and Federal Partners

The arrest was the result of a collaborative effort between Portland detectives and the FBI Boston Supervisory Senior Resident Agency. Investigators noted that the case moved forward not by chance, but through the refusal of officials to let the investigation go dormant. Since 2017, teams have reviewed thousands of hours of surveillance footage and conducted dozens of follow-up interviews. In late 2025, police renewed public interest in the case by re-sharing a composite sketch of a thin-built white male with short dark hair, a description that eventually aligned with the apprehended suspect.

Remembering the Life of Sunao ‘Tom’ Yamada

Portland Police Chief Mark Dubois emphasized that despite the challenges Yamada faced with housing and stability, he was a deeply valued member of the local community. Known for a gentle nature and a sharp mind, Yamada was a frequent visitor to local hangouts where he enjoyed playing board games and watching "Jeopardy!" with friends. Dubois remarked that the investigation was fueled by the belief that every life in the city matters, regardless of a person’s socioeconomic status or housing situation.