After 4 months of investigations, Eugene police now have a married couple in custody for the death of Lane Community College student Alex Oyombe Gradin. The EPD said motives for his murder are gang-related, but Gradin was not affiliated with said activity.
Portland residents Regis Derey Kindred and Kailee Von Foster will face murder charges for the death of Gradin. The 21-year-old LCC student was out with friends in the early hours of May 4 when he was shot and killed behind Taylors Bar & Grill, located near the University of Oregon.
EPD Chief Chris Skinner said both Kindred and Foster were both involved with gang activity in Portland.
"These individuals were down from Portland...this isn't just about [crime] in Eugene , it's about understanding that we have such a neat area that we often get visitors from out of town that come in and unfortunately perpetrate crime," he said.
EPD didn't say why Kindred and Foster were in Eugene, nor would they confirm whether Grandin's death was the result of a stray bullet, or a case of mistaken identity. Skinner said more details will unfold as prosecution continues.
Skinner noted the murder was concerning given that Gradin had no prior affiliation or connection with either Kindred or Foster. As the school year approaches for both the University of Oregon and Lane Community College, Skinner said it’s important for students to be aware of their surroundings.
"One of the things that we’re really trying to focus on is that West University area and trying to give it a little bit more emphasis from EPD, jointly with UO PD,” Skinner said. EPD and the UO police will patrol the area, possibly in the same car, he said.
Gradin's family released the following statement to media:
"Alex was loved by family and friends in Eugene, Tigard, and in his birth country of Kenya. His family requests members of the public to provide information on any additional persons of interest, to assist in the ongoing investigation. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time."
UPDATE 8/31: A previous version of this story included the description and a photo of a person of interest related to the case. Both have been removed since EPD has found the person of interest. He is not a suspect.
