Ore. man accused of shooting wife had abusive past
Published 5:49 am Monday, November 23, 2009
COOS BAY, Ore. — The Myrtle Point man who police say shot his wife in the back after hiding in her car while she met with a divorce lawyer had a history of abusive behavior.
The Coos Bay World reports that 26-year-old Travis Kendall had been arrested before for domestic harassment and violating a restraining order, and an ex-girlfriend had filed restraining orders.
He had also been convicted of car theft and burglary.
Kendall killed himself after a confrontation with Coquille Police following his wife’s shooting last week.
The woman, 22-year-old Ashley Kendall, was transferred from a southwest Oregon hospital to Portland’s Legacy Emanuel Hospital in critical condition.
“Ashley Kendall is fighting for her life and remains in extreme critical condition at the ICU Trauma Unit,” a statement by her family said Saturday.
Ashley Kendall’s shooting was reported by her sister, who told police she was on the phone with her when she heard screams that “he” was in the car. The call ended abruptly.
Investigators believe Travis Kendall drove to the attorney’s office in Coos Bay and hid in his wife’s car while she was in the office, only presenting himself when she started to drive. The wounded woman’s body was found on a street.
The shooting ignited an immediate search for Kendall and the missing vehicle. A Conquille police officer spotted the car late Tuesday and gave chase until it reached Kendall’s home. The officer fired shots during the ensuing confrontation, with one them hitting Kendall in the leg. Kendall, according to officials, then ducked around the corner of the house and shot himself in the head. An autopsy will be performed.
Attorney Sharon Mitchell told the newspaper that she watched Ashley Kendall enter her dark green Jeep Wagoneer in her law office’s parking lot.
Mitchell added that she decided to follow her client down the road in her own vehicle to make sure she was safe.
Information from: The World, www.theworldlink.com
