FBI Announces Independent Civil Rights Investigation

Charles Mathews III, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon, advised today that upon request of Portland Police Bureau Chief Mark Kroeker, the FBI has opened a Preliminary Inquiry into the shooting death of Kendra S. James.

This inquiry will be an independent review by the FBI under the Federal color of law, civil rights statutes. Under Federal Statute, whenever a law enforcement official under the color of law, willfully subjects or deprives a person of any rights, secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States, shall be imposed a fine or imprisoned. Length of imprisonment can vary dependent upon the nature of the injuries to the victim.

The results of the preliminary inquiry, when completed, will be forwarded to the Department of Justice for review and determination as to whether a full investigation should be conducted.

Due to the on-going nature of this investigation, the FBI will have no further comment at this time.