After 7 Years, Oregon Cop Killer Still at Large

VIDEO: Funeral procession for Deputy Kelly Fredinburg (2007)

Alfredo De Jesus Ascencio was last believed to be in the area of Puacuaro, Muichoacan, Mexico. Photo Courtesy: Marion County Sheriff's Office

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Today is the seventh anniversary of the death of Marion County Deputy Kelly Fredinburg who was killed in a late night traffic crash involving another vehicle on Highway 99E north of Gervais.

The driver of the other involved vehicle, Alfredo De Jesus Ascencio, is still a fugitive wanted for two counts of Criminally Negligent Homicide for causing the death his 19-year old passenger and Deputy Fredinburg. A reward of up to $21,000 is still available for information that leads to the arrest of De Jesus Ascencio.

The Fredinburg family worked closely with law enforcement officials to establish the "Oregon Officer Reward Fund", available to help law enforcement arrest persons wanted in connection with line-of-duty police injury and death criminal investigations in Oregon.

The family's relentless commitment, along with a $20,000 reward, supports and helps investigators to find the fugitive responsible for Deputy Fredinburg's death. This reward is in addition to $1,000 offered by Crime Stoppers (#07-28) for information that leads to an arrest in the case.

Marion County Sheriff Jason Myers hopes this is the year that De Jesus Ascencio is found, bringing an end to the ongoing search that has frustrated the Sheriff's Department, prosecutors, investigators and Deputy Fredinburg's family.

"I think about Kelly and his family quite often and reflect upon the sacrifice they have made. While nothing will replace the loss of Kelly, finding Alfredo De Jesus Ascencio and holding him accountable for his actions will bring some closure to this tragedy," said Myers.

Alfredo De Jesus Ascencio, who turned 27-years-old in January 2014, has been sought by the Marion County District Attorney's Office, Oregon State Police and Marion County Sheriff's Office since he was indicted August 3, 2007 by a Marion County Grand Jury on two counts of Criminally Negligent Homicide.

On June 16, 2007 at approximately 11:30 p.m. Deputy Fredinburg was enroute to an emergency call southbound on Highway 99E north of Gervais when his patrol car was struck head-on by a northbound vehicle driven by De Jesus Ascencio.

Deputy Fredinburg's patrol car caught fire and he was pronounced deceased at the scene. Fredinburg joined MCSO in August 2006 after working the previous six years for the Polk County Sheriff's Office. He was 33-years-old when he died.

Nineteen-year old passenger, Oscar Ascencio-Amaya, died from his injuries the following day at a Portland-area hospital. A second passenger received minor injuries.

De Jesus Ascencio, who was 20-years-old at the time of the crash, was treated for critical injuries at a Portland-area hospital. Investigators learned later that he fled the U.S. to Mexico around the time he was indicted August 3, 2007 and an arrest warrant was signed by a judge.

Investigators believe De Jesus Ascencio is currently at an unknown location in Mexico. He was last believed to be in the area of Puacuaro, Muichoacan, Mexico.

Anyone with information related to this investigation to help locate De Jesus Ascencio can report tips by phone at:

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 #07-28, (bilingual call takers), call 1-503-823-HELP (4357) Residents within Mexico can call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line, refer to case #07-28, (bilingual call takers) at +011-503-823-4357

Email tips can be sent to crimetips2OSP@state.or.us.

Tips should have as much detail as possible including specific details about the type of case and information related to the criminal investigation. Even though tips may be received anonymously, those providing tips are encouraged to give contact information for follow-up by the investigator(s), if needed.

Sources: Information in this story provided by the Oregon State Police and the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
Video From YouTube of the Funeral Procession in front of the Oregon State Capitol for Marion County Deputy Kelly Fredinburg