The family of a man who, according to officials, died from multiple gunshot wounds in the Image neighborhood in late December said he was working to make an honest living and support two boys.
On Friday, the Clark County Medical Examiner identified Vincent R. Trevino, 23, as the man whose body was found shortly after officers responded to reports of shots fired at about 4 a.m. on Dec. 30 near the 12500 block of Northeast 28th Street.
Earlier in the week, the county’s medical examiner ruled Trevino’s death a homicide.
Michael A. Trevino, who referred to Vincent as his baby brother “Vinnie,” said news of the death shocked and shattered the family.
Vincent Trevino left Georgia, where he’d been living with his mother, in early October to find work near to his two sons in Washington state, his brother said.
“The last communication we had with Vincent was on Dec. 29 via text message to my sister. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Vincent checked in with his mother on the phone frequently, so when a few days had gone by and no contact could be made with Vincent the family began to worry,” Michael Trevino said through a family statement.
The family called the Vancouver Police Department on Thursday. The next day, they were referred to the county medical examiner, who confirmed their worst fear.
Michael Trevino expressed frustration about why the family wasn’t informed earlier. He said his brother made poor choices in the past and had been arrested in Washington years prior. Washington court records show Vincent Trevino had three cases in Clark County Superior Court in 2016, which included convictions for drug possession and second-degree identity theft.
“My brother wasn’t a nobody. He had a family and is loved. He will be missed,” Michael Trevino said.
The brother urged investigators to give their full attention to Vincent Trevino’s death investigation, as the family is aware of his past indiscretions and worries the case may not take priority.
Police department spokeswoman Kim Kapp said she was told by the Major Crimes Unit that an investigator has been in regular contact with the family.
“We understand family members want resolution,” Kapp said. “We want resolution as well. We have the same goal. … That’s not as instant as everyone would want.”
Michael Trevino said a woman who has been speaking out about her brother to the media is not related to the family in any way and is giving out incorrect information.
He said the only legitimate support fund for the family can be found here: www.paypal.com/pools/c/80MIWagYDS.
