PORTLAND, Ore. — A man accused of second-degree murder in a domestic violence incident last month is scheduled for arraignment Thursday afternoon on multiple charges, including murder and burglary.
Smate Joseph has been identified as the suspect in the July 19 death of 24-year-old Queena Isam, which took place in Southeast Portland. Eyewitness accounts and emergency calls from a four-year-old child, who told dispatchers, “my dad killed my mom,” highlight the tragic nature of the situation. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Isam deceased, along with four children who were unharmed but visibly shaken.
According to the victim’s aunt, Isam had recently moved into her home to escape Joseph, the father of her children, following a history of violent encounters. The aunt described the complexities surrounding Isam’s decision to leave, emphasizing the need for safety for both her niece and the children.
Shortly after the stabbing incident, Joseph called 911 from a location in Clark County, acknowledging that he had “committed a crime.” In this call, he admitted to having stabbed “someone he loves,” revealing uncertainty about the victim’s condition. The call later led authorities to track Joseph to his sister’s apartment in Vancouver, where he confirmed the blade used in the attack was in his vehicle, matching descriptions provided by witnesses.
Officers from a SWAT team eventually apprehended Joseph at the apartment. Court documents indicate that he questioned authorities about Isam’s condition at the time of his arrest, asking, “is she dead?”
In addition to the charges stemming from the murder case, Joseph faces repercussions for an earlier incident on July 10, when he was involved in a crash under the influence of alcohol. Officers found him behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Equinox that had collided with a TriMet bus. Joseph reportedly admitted to dozing off while driving and, upon inspection, police noted several open alcohol containers in his vehicle and noted his condition as intoxicated.
A subsequent blood test revealed that Joseph’s blood alcohol content was 0.18%, which is significantly above the legal limit. He had been scheduled to appear in court for the DUII charge on August 7, but his absence was due to being in custody in Clark County. He was extradited to Oregon and transferred to the Multnomah County Jail earlier this week.
The upcoming arraignment is a crucial step in the legal proceedings surrounding this case, which has raised community concern about domestic violence and its devastating effects not only on victims but also on children involved in such situations. As the case unfolds, it brings to light the pressing need for resources and support systems for individuals facing similar circumstances.