Salem Council Reverses Controversial Reappointment, Removes Convicted Killer From Police Oversight

The Salem City Council voted 6-2 at a special meeting to rescind the reappointment of Kyle Hedquist to two advisory panels that oversee the city’s public safety departments, reversing a contentious decision made weeks earlier.

Background

Hedquist was convicted in 1995 of killing 19-year-old Nikki Thrasher and served nearly 28 years in prison before then‑Gov. Kate Brown commuted his sentence, citing rehabilitation and good behavior. After his release, Hedquist worked as a policy associate for the Oregon Justice Resource Center and advocated for criminal justice reform at the state legislature. He told local media he accepted advisory roles to continue serving the Salem community.

How the Controversy Unfolded

The controversy began after a narrow 5-4 City Council vote on Dec. 8 reappointed Hedquist to the Community Police Review Board and the Civil Service Commission despite a recommendation from the Boards and Commissions Appointments Committee to leave the police review board seat vacant. City staff later acknowledged that background checks had not been performed on board and commission members, meaning many councilors were not explicitly informed of Hedquist’s criminal history and the council lacked clear guidance on how convictions should affect eligibility for sensitive oversight posts.

Public Reaction and Pressure

Outrage escalated after the Dec. 8 vote. The Salem Police Employees Union and Salem Professional Fire Fighters Local 314 launched public campaigns urging residents to contact councilors and called the appointment a "credibility crisis." Hundreds of residents submitted written testimony and many spoke at a Jan. 7 special meeting, where emotions ran high.

"For 11,364 days, I have carried the weight of the worst decision of my life," Hedquist said through tears at the Jan. 7 meeting, acknowledging the lasting impact of Thrasher’s death.

Councilor Deanna Gwyn said she would not have supported the appointment had she known about the conviction; she displayed a photo of Thrasher and read a note from the victim’s high school best friend. Hedquist’s family said they received death threats after the controversy drew national attention, and public testimony was sharply divided between defenders who emphasized rehabilitation and critics who focused on accountability and public safety.

Policy Changes

In addition to withdrawing Hedquist’s reappointment, the council adopted sweeping changes to board appointment rules that night. New standards now require criminal background checks for applicants to the Community Police Review Board and the Civil Service Commission, and anyone convicted of a violent felony is automatically disqualified from serving on those panels. The council also reserved at least one seat on the Community Police Review Board for a person with direct experience as a felony victim and expanded background-check requirements to all city boards and commissions.

Mayor Julie Hoy, who opposed the December reappointment and supported the January revocation, framed her votes as matters of governance and public trust rather than politics. Councilor Vanessa Nordyke, who initially voted to reappoint Hedquist in December and later called for revisiting the decision, said she regretted not hearing public testimony before the first vote. Councilor Brad Brown condemned threats and harassment directed at councilors, calling the episode a low point for civic discourse.

The council’s actions left the two advisory seats vacant while the city implements the new vetting procedures.