A federal agent charged with murder is free on bail, and the U.S. State Department confirms he was here to provide protection for APEC dignitaries.
Federal Agent Christopher Deedy, 27, posted $250,000 bail and is now out of police custody.
He is charged with second-degree murder in connection with the shooting and killing of 23 year-old Kollin Elderts at the Kuhio Avenue McDonald’s in Waikiki around 3 a.m. Saturday.
On Monday, a U.S. State Department spokesman explained Christopher Deedy’s Hawaii assignment.
"He was in Hawaii on state department business….to support protection of dignitaries for APEC,” said Victoria Nuland, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department.
Now he’s on paid administrative leave as an investigation of the off-duty shooting proceeds.
"We do have established procedures for any agent who has engaged in the use of deadly force, either on duty or off duty. The incident has been referred to our office of professional responsibility, and he’s on administrative leave while these procedures go forward,” said Nuland.
Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie said the public is more aware of the case because of its APEC connection but that the family in mourning should be the first priority.
"I don’t think of it in terms of whether the death of someone else puts us in a bad light. Our first thought is for the victim and for his family and friends,” said Abercrombie.
Witnesses say Elderts had been yelling racial slurs prior to being shot in the chest.
A police statement that gets filed with the court detailing the crime and arrest will not be available until Deedy’s district court appearance. That won’t be held until after APEC on November 17th. Initial appearances are normally held within days of charging.
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See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
