Portland Police Asking for Help Locating Transgender Murder Suspect

Until recently David Wayne French maintained an internet business and has multiple connections in the western states.

48-year-old David Wayne French Photo: Portland Police

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - On May 4th, at 9:40 PM, Portland Police Bureau Homicide Detectives were called to the 5700 block of North Kerby Avenue after Northeast Precinct officers found the body of 51-year-old Frank Johnson.

Officers were originally sent to the apartment on a disturbance call after receiving information that someone may be in need of assistance.

It was later determined that the victim died of blunt force trauma to the head.

During the subsequent investigation, detectives concluded that 48-year-old David Wayne French jumped from the third story window of the victim’s apartment as officers were forcing open the front door to help the victim.

Detectives do not know if French was injured when he jumped from the window.

At the time of the victim’s death, he and French were roommates.

Detectives have learned that the victim was attempting to change their living arrangement, which may have played a role in the homicide.

On May 15th, an arrest warrant charging French with one count of Murder was issued for the suspect’s arrest.

French is also known to use the alias Zalia Crizta or the initial “Z.”

French is transgender, and is approximately 5'6 tall, weighs 130 pounds, and has shoulder-length brown hair.

Until recently French maintained an internet business and has multiple connections in the western states.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Molly Daul at (503) 823-0991 or Detective Barry Renna at (503) 823-0255.