Kayla Harrell was celebrating her best friend's birthday on a night out in Portland, Oregon, when authorities say she was stabbed in the chest by a complete stranger who had no prior connection to her.
Background
The attack occurred Sunday around 1:45 a.m. in the 400 block of Northwest 6th Avenue, according to the Portland Police Department. Harrell, 23, had been out clubbing with friends when she stepped outside, authorities said. That's when a woman later identified as Achillia A. Palmer approached and allegedly attacked her.
Harrell's cousin, Daniel Harrell, described what happened in the chaotic moments after the stabbing. "A woman approached her and just yelled like the B word at her or something," he told local CBS affiliate KOIN. "She thought that she had gotten punched in the chest. What actually happened was this woman stabbed her, but it just happened so fast."
The Portland Police Department said officers responded to reports of a stabbing and found bystanders tending to Harrell when they arrived. Authorities provided medical care until emergency responders transported her to a hospital.
The Charges
Palmer, 36, was detained by security guards at the scene before being arrested and booked into jail, according to police. Multnomah County court records reviewed by Law&Crime show she faces charges of attempted murder, second-degree assault, and unlawful use of a weapon.
Police investigators quickly determined that the stabbing appeared to be a random attack, noting that Palmer and Harrell did not know each other prior to the incident. The victim's family established a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses as Harrell underwent multiple surgeries for her injuries.
A fundraiser update stated Harrell remained in stable condition but would face an extended recovery period due to the severity of her wounds.
Key Takeaways
- Victim Kayla Harrell, 23, was stabbed while celebrating her best friend's birthday after a night out clubbing with friends
- Suspect Achillia A. Palmer, 36, has been charged with attempted murder, second-degree assault, and unlawful use of a weapon
- Police say the attack appeared random as the suspect and victim had no prior connection
- Harrell underwent multiple surgeries and was listed in stable condition with an extended recovery ahead
- Security guards detained Palmer before police arrived and made the arrest
What's Next
Palmer is being held in Multnomah County Jail pending her next court appearance. The case remains under investigation by the Portland Police Department's detective division. Prosecutors have not yet indicated whether they will seek additional charges as their review of evidence continues.
Police Chief Bob Day addressed the community following the incident, calling such unprovoked attacks uncommon while expressing relief that the victim is expected to recover.