Editorial: Never give up the search for deputy's killer - Negligent driver thought to be hiding in Mexico
Six years have passed since Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Kelly Fredinburg was killed by a negligent driver, but authorities have not given up the international search for justice.
The driver of the other vehicle, Alfredo De Jesus Ascencio, was last thought to be in Mexico, having fled there after being treated at a Portland-area hospital for severe injuries, according to Oregon State Police.
De Jesus Ascencio was indicted on two counts of criminally negligent homicide. His passenger, Oscar Ascencio-Amaya, and Fredinburg were killed in the head-on collision the night of June 16, 2007, on Highway 99E north of Gervais.
There are multiple reasons for not letting this case fade away. The most important are holding the driver responsible and achieving justice for the families of Fredinburg and of Ascencio-Amaya. But it also is society’s duty to stand up for its law enforcement personnel and to be resolute in pursuing those who would harm them.
If justice is to be achieved in this case, it likely will occur in Mexico. That country could prosecute the case, because the charges against De Jesus Ascencio are not covered by the U.S. extradition treaty.
Last year, Fredinburg’s family launched the Oregon Officer Reward Fund to help locate suspects in cases involving law enforcement officers injured or killed in the line of duty in Oregon. Up to a $20,000 reward is available for information leading to the arrest of De Jesus Ascencio, and Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward.
That money might motivate someone to provide the crucial information that resolves this case.
How to help
Contributions to the Oregon Officer Reward Fund can be made:
• At any US Bank branch;
• Via PayPal on the fund website, www.oorf.info;
• By check made out to “Oregon Officer Reward Fund” and mailed to OORF, c/o Oregon State Sheriff’s Association, PO Box 7468, Salem, OR 97303.
Anyone with information to help authorities find Alfredo De Jesus Ascencio can report tips:
• In Oregon, call 800-452-7888;
• From anywhere in the United States for English and Spanish speakers to the Crime Stoppers Tip Line, refer to case No. 07-28 (bilingual call-takers), call 1-503-823-HELP (4357) or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477);
• Residents within Mexico can call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line, refer to case No. 07-28 (bilingual call-takers), at +011-503-823-4357;
• Email tips to crimetips2OSP@state.or.us.
Source: Oregon State Police
