A decision by the Salem City Council to reinstate a convicted murderer to a key police oversight panel has ignited fierce controversy and community anger in the US state of Oregon.
Controversial Vote Reinstates Former Killer
In a narrow five-to-four vote on 8 December, the council reappointed Kyle Hedquist, 47, to the city's police review board. This body is responsible for examining complaints about police conduct and suggesting policy changes. Hedquist had previously served a year on the board before this reappointment.
Hedquist's past is marked by a horrific crime. In 1994, when he was 17, he murdered 19-year-old Nikki Thrasher. He led the teenager down a remote logging road and shot her in the back of the head to stop her from revealing a series of burglaries he had committed. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
His release came in 2022 after then-Governor Kate Brown granted him clemency, arguing his youth at the time of the offence meant he should not be imprisoned for life. This move infuriated Thrasher's family and local law enforcement, who were not consulted.
Fierce Backlash from Police and Community
The reappointment has been met with significant opposition. The Salem Police Employees Union strongly criticised the move. Union President Scotty Nowning questioned the wisdom of educating someone with such a criminal history on police procedures, a key part of the board's activities which includes ride-alongs with officers.
Nowning stressed the issue highlighted flaws in the city's oversight structure, stating that without changing the requirements, another person with a serious criminal past could be appointed. The Salem Professional Fire Fighters Local 314 created a website urging residents to demand the council reconsider.
Nikki Thrasher's mother, Holly Thrasher, expressed profound distress, having been unaware of his original clemency. She described her daughter's killing as a cold-blooded, planned murder and said she was never asked for her opinion on his release.
Defence of a 'Second Chance' Perspective
The decisive vote in favour came from Ward 6 City Councilor Mai Vang. She overrode a recommendation to leave the seat vacant, arguing Hedquist deserved a second chance. Vang defended his prior service, stating he had fulfilled his duties without issue and brought a unique perspective as someone who has been through the criminal justice system.
In a Facebook post, Vang said he "understands community safety from a different angle" and that his experience matters, though he is just one voice on the nine-member board. She acknowledged the city would waive the police ride-along requirement due to his felony record.
Hedquist, who attended the meeting with his wife, expressed gratitude and said the broader conversation about board vetting and balance was important. Supporters point to his rehabilitation and his work as a policy advocate with the Oregon Justice Resource Center, which says he is driven to improve Salem.
The contentious decision has laid bare deep divisions over redemption, public safety, and the qualifications required for civilian oversight of police power.
