City lowers flags to half staff in honor of murdered child

By KATU.com Staff Published: Dec 1, 2009 at 1:51 PM PST Last Updated: Dec 1, 2009 at 5:23 PM PST
U.S. flag flying at half staff
File photo

PORTLAND, Ore. - The City of Portland lowered its flag to half-staff on Tuesday in honor of a 4-year-old girl who was killed in a domestic dispute last month.

The violent crime happened at a home at Southeast Salmon Street and 123rd Avenue where police believe Ceantwan Lorenzo Barr, 29, shot and killed his wife and child before turning the gun on himself.

News Coverage


"This was a devastating incident where two young lives were cut short," Police Commissioner Dan Saltzman said in a press release. "Our thoughts are with the family, particularly Ashawn's sister and grandmother."

The child's grandmother is scheduled to talk before the City Council on Wednesday following a statement from Commissioner Saltzman. She will also be receiving donations during a private ceremony in his office.

In April, 2009, the City Council approved a resolution to lower its flag in honor of children who die from abuse, neglect or homicidal violence.  The flag is lowered once a month on the day that corresponds to the number of deaths from the previous month.