Tyler Chism

A Portland man was killed last Thursday by another man who stabbed him in the chest with a sword hidden in a cane, court records allege.

Timothy C. Cato pulled out the sword as 28-year-old Tyler Chism was arguing with his girlfriend around 2 a.m. in Northwest Portland, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Cato then sheathed the sword after and used the cane for assistance as he walked away -- leaving the wounded man collapsed on the ground near Northwest Third Avenue and Everett Street , the affidavit said.

After his arrest, Cato, 59, would tell court staff that he didn't know Chism.

It's not clear from available court documents if Cato gave authorities any explanation for why he allegedly attacked Chism. He remains held in jail Monday on suspicion of murder and unlawful use of a weapon and has pleaded not guilty.

Cato's criminal history includes convictions in the '80s and '90s for assault, drug and gun possession, being a felon in possession of a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon, Oregon records show.

Witnesses told police Chism was arguing with his girlfriend when they were approached by Cato and another woman and Chism was stabbed, the affidavit said. The woman with Cato wasn't identified in the affidavit nor is it clear if she had any connection to Chism and his girlfriend.

Surveillance video in the area showed Cato meet up with the woman, walk together toward a parking lot where Chism was standing and then Chism is seen shortly after stumbling away and falling to the ground, the affidavit said. At least one witness identified the assailant as "Tim," the court papers said.

In a statement released Monday by the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, Chism's parents said they are grateful that police were able to identify a suspect in Chism's death and made an arrest. The parents described their son as a creative and passionate man who was inspired by art and music and worked through challenges presented by undisclosed disabilities.

"Our hearts are broken with the loss of our son...His death seems so senseless," the statement said.

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com

503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey