Salem, OR. — Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson has voiced strong opposition to the Salem City Council’s recent decision to appoint convicted murderer Kyle Hedquist to the Community Police Review Board and the Civil Service Commission.
Clarkson’s criticism follows the council’s vote to place Hedquist on two boards with direct oversight of public safety institutions. Hedquist previously received a sentence commutation in 2022 under former Governor Kate Brown, a decision Clarkson opposed at the time.
In an April 22, 2022 press release, Clarkson warned of what she described as “significant safety concerns surrounding the sudden and ill-planned governor’s commutation” of Hedquist’s original life sentence. She detailed the crime, stating that Hedquist “tricked the victim into driving him to a rural Douglas County location where he shot the victim execution-style in the back of the head and dumped her body along the road.”
Following public opposition from the Salem Police and Fire unions to the recent appointments, Clarkson reaffirmed her position, saying that serving on boards overseeing law enforcement and civil service requires clear standards of judgment and accountability.
“Common sense standards should exist for those that serve on key community boards — especially those with direct impact on our public safety professionals who risk their lives every day in service to our community,” Clarkson said. “While I acknowledge there are certainly appropriate ways for those who have completed their full sentences and displayed honest rehabilitation to give back in our County, this is not one of them.”
Clarkson added that public safety professionals “have a right to expect better from city leadership,” emphasizing that the appointments raise broader questions about governance, trust, and the responsibilities of oversight bodies.
The Salem City Council has not publicly responded to Clarkson’s latest remarks.
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What a crock of crap! Someone who would be incarcerated if not for the pardon should be giving back in ways that are not holding a paid position. Doesn’t sound like he is sorry in anyway for his actions. Let’s put the lady’s family in the position.
Why is she rewarding a creep? That just proves how creepy SHE is that she feels safe around people who have killed someone else.
Are there NO residents of Salem, who wish to serve their community, that are without commutations, pardons, etc.? How far did the council seek applicants? What was the process?
I appreciate Mr. Hedguist’s desire for rehabilitation, but I have to believe there were other, more qualified, and suitable candidates!
It’s ’do-over’ time Council!