Saturday, November 21, 2009

Press Re;ease from the Family of Ashley and Theren Kendall

PRESS RELEASE

November 21, 2009

The immediate family of 22 year old domestic violence victim Ashley (Berning) Kendall has issued a statement, and friends of the family have set up a benefit fund to assist Ashley and her 5 month old son Theren.

Ashley Kendall was shot in the back by her husband Travis Kendall on the evening of Tuesday, November 17th after she met with her lawyer to discuss an upcoming child custody hearing and divorce proceedings, according to R. Paul Frasier, Coos County, Oregon district attorney.

Authorities say Travis Kendall gained access into her parked car, a Jeep Cherokee, and hid in the very rear compartment awaiting her return. Ashley, after leaving her attorneys office, got in her car and was unaware that Travis was hiding in the rear. She drove off and was shortly thereafter shot by her estranged husband, who pushed her out on to the street, and then left the scene in her car.

Police say Travis Kendall was later spotted by police, and lead them on a 100 mph high-speed chase ending at his home in Myrtle Point, Oregon. Kendall pointed a gun at the officer, which forced the officer to fire wounding him in the leg. He ducked around the corner of a building and was later found dead of a self-inflicted gun shot wound to the head.


STATEMENT FROM THE FAMILY OF ASHLEY (BERNING) KENDALL:

We would like to take the time to thank everyone who has been so supportive through this tragic event.

We respectfully ask for privacy at this time, and do not want to comment on the specifics of this incident.

Ashley Kendall is fighting for her life and remains in extreme critical condition at the ICU Trauma Unit at Legacy Emmanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon.

We are so grateful for the wonderful doctors, nurses, and hospital staff that are providing superb around the clock care for our daughter. She has undergone numerous surgeries, and her future is still on a guardedly optimistic, day-by-day hopeful basis. We would also like to say a special thank to her attorney Sharon Mitchell, concerned citizen Greg Brecheisen who came upon the scene, E.M.T.’S, Dr. Tersigni and his medical staff, and all the countless people who got her here alive. We also want to thank God who has graciously carried her in his arms. We will be forever grateful.

Thankfully, due to the ongoing threats, Ashley’s five-month old son Theren had been taken into protective custody the previous day of this incident by the Oregon Department of Human Services, and thus was unharmed. He has since been returned to the custody of Ashley’s immediate family.

Thank you for your compassion and understanding, and for keeping Ashley, Theren and all of our family in your prayers.


Sincerely,

The Family of Ashley and Theren Kendall


Friends of the family have set up a fund to provide financial help dedicated solely to assist Ashley and Theren. You may contribute to the “Ashley Kendall” Donation Fund at any U.S. Bank branch and request your donation be credited to this account.

THANK YOU !!!

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