Portland, OR – The man accused of fatally stabbing a Portland mother in 2023 has been arrested in Montana, police confirmed Monday. Connor J. O’Brien, 21, was taken into custody in Missoula County and is facing charges of second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon. He will be extradited back to Portland to face trial.
Details of the Alleged Murder
O’Brien is accused of murdering 22-year-old Tiara Atencio in October 2023. Atencio’s family has been informed of the arrest. Her sister, Angelina Perez, spoke out after the tragic death, describing Tiara as a “happy, bubbly” person and the “best mom” to her 1-year-old son, Legend.
Perez expressed the shock and pain of losing her sister in such a violent way: “She didn’t die of a natural cause. She didn’t die in her sleep or slip down the stairs and bump her head. My sister was murdered. She was stabbed to death,” Perez said. “That is the most difficult thing for me to comprehend. That is the most difficult thing for me to process right now. I have this hurt and this rage that I don’t know what to do with. I just want justice for Tiara.”
Investigation and Arrest
Portland police confirmed O’Brien’s arrest in Missoula on Monday, with the investigation into the murder still ongoing. O’Brien has been charged with second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon. He is currently held at the Missoula County Jail and will be extradited to Portland for further proceedings.
A Call for Justice
The arrest has brought some relief to Atencio’s family, but the pain of losing a loved one in such a violent way continues to weigh heavily on them. Perez emphasized the need for justice, adding that the loss of her sister has left her with an overwhelming sense of hurt and rage.
Portland police are continuing their investigation into the case and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Do you have any information about the case? Contact Portland police to assist in the ongoing investigation. Share your thoughts or memories of Tiara in the comments below.
