UPDATE: The Salem City Council has just voted to revoke the appointment of Kyle Hedquist, a convicted murderer, from its police oversight boards. In a decisive 6-2 vote during a special meeting on January 7, 2026, council members responded to intense community backlash over Hedquist’s controversial nomination.
The uproar began when Hedquist, who was convicted for the 1994 murder of Nikki Thrasher, was appointed to the Community Police Review Board and the Civil Service Commission. His role on these boards is critical, as they review police conduct complaints and recommend policies to law enforcement. Hedquist’s appointment ignited outrage, with residents and local police unions vehemently opposing his position due to his violent past.
Hedquist, now 47, was sentenced to life without parole but was released in 2022 after 28 years in prison. Prosecutors revealed that he murdered Thrasher to prevent her from exposing his involvement in a burglary spree. The nomination was initially approved by a narrow 5-4 vote on December 8, raising questions about the vetting process used by the council.
The decision to remove Hedquist comes after local officials, including Mayor Julie Hoy, expressed concern over the implications of such an appointment. “My vote was based on process, governance, and public trust,” Hoy stated on social media, reflecting the community’s dissatisfaction. This sentiment was echoed by the president of the Salem Police Employees’ Union, Scotty Nowning, who criticized the wisdom of educating someone with a violent criminal history.
In response to the backlash, the council has announced new rules requiring criminal background checks for future appointments to the police oversight boards. Individuals with violent felony convictions will be disqualified, marking a significant policy shift to ensure public safety and trust.
Hedquist addressed the council prior to his removal, stating, “For 11,364 days, I have carried the weight of the worst decision of my life.” His family has reportedly faced death threats following the media attention surrounding his nomination.
With hundreds of testimonies from residents both defending and condemning him presented at the meeting, the decision reflects the community’s urgent desire for accountability and transparency in public safety governance. The council’s actions will likely reshape how nominations are handled in the future, emphasizing the importance of background checks and community trust.
As the situation develops, residents are closely watching how the city will implement these new policies and what further changes may occur in the realm of public safety oversight in Salem.
