April 29, 2022 10:30 a.m.

Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin’s comments on Governor Kate Brown’s recent decision to commute the life sentence of Kyle Hequist for the murder of Nikki Thrasher in 1994 have reached a national stage.

Appearing Friday morning on Fox & Friends First on FOX News, Hanlin said he is “absolutely disgusted” by Brown’s decision. Hanlin said, “Kyle Hedquist is a cold- blooded killer”.

Hanlin told host Carley Shimkus that he is appalled that the 45-year Hedquist has been granted clemency and contended the man was 18-years old when the crime took place, which made him a legal adult.

Hanlin is among a host of public officials criticizing Brown’s move. That has included U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, and state representatives Tim Knopp and Kim Thatcher.

Brown granted Hedquist clemency in March. Over the objection of Douglas County District Attorney Rick Wesenberg, whose office prosecuted the case, and Marion County officials, Hequist was released to a home in Salem on April 15th and is now under GPS monitoring.

The release led to a Public Safety Notice from Marion County Sheriff Joe Kast and DA Paige Clarkson. The pair said they had “significant safety concerns” surrounding what they called “the sudden and ill-planned” commutation.

Hanlin’s interview on FOX News is linked: https://www.foxnews.com/media/oregon-sheriff-john-hanlin-governor-kate-brown-clemency-for-cold-blooded-killer-kyle-hedquist