UPDATE: The Salem City Council in Oregon has just voted to REMOVE convicted murderer Kyle Hedquist from its police oversight board, following extensive community backlash. In a decisive 6-2 vote during a special meeting on January 7, 2026, the council reversed its previous decision to appoint Hedquist to both the Community Police Review Board and the Civil Service Commission.
This controversial appointment had ignited outrage across Salem, as these boards play a critical role in reviewing police conduct complaints and shaping public safety policies. Hedquist, now 47 years old, was sentenced to life without parole for the 1994 murder of Nikki Thrasher, whom he killed to silence her about his criminal activities. He was released in 2022 after serving 28 years, following clemency granted by former Oregon Governor Kate Brown.
Community members expressed their anger as details of Hedquist’s past emerged, with many questioning the wisdom of placing him in such a pivotal role. The Salem Police Employees’ Union publicly opposed the appointment, with President Scotty Nowning stating, “Providing education on how we do what we do to someone with that criminal history doesn’t seem too smart.”
Councilmember Deanna Gwyn revealed she would not have supported Hedquist’s appointment had she been aware of his conviction, highlighting the emotional weight of the decision by displaying a photo of Thrasher during the meeting. Mayor Julie Hoy, who had initially opposed the appointment, reaffirmed her stance, emphasizing the community’s concerns and the need for public trust.
In light of the controversy, the Salem City Council has agreed to implement new rules for board appointments. Moving forward, applicants for the Community Police Review Board and the Civil Service Commission will be required to undergo criminal background checks, with individuals convicted of violent felonies now disqualified from serving on these boards. Notably, one seat on the Community Police Review Board will be reserved for a victim of felony crime, ensuring that the voices of those affected by violence are heard.
Hedquist, who has since become a policy associate for the Oregon Justice Center, stated in a previous council address, “For 11,364 days, I have carried the weight of the worst decision of my life.” He acknowledged the death threats his family has received following the public outcry over his appointment.
The swift backlash and subsequent council meeting underscore the highly charged atmosphere surrounding public safety and criminal justice reform in Salem. As this story develops, residents and officials alike are left to grapple with the implications of the council’s decisions and the ongoing discourse about who should oversee police conduct in the community.
Expect further updates as the situation unfolds and community reactions continue to pour in.
