In the late morning of September 22, 2021, a burst of gun violence shattered the peace in Salem, Oregon, leading to the tragic death of 29-year-old Abraham Torres Borja, a Hispanic / Latino male. The incident prompted an immediate and intensive investigation by local law enforcement. Torres Borja was quickly transported to Salem Hospital, but tragically succumbed to his wounds.
The suddenness of the event left the community in shock and mourning the loss of a young life.
As police began their search for those involved, several people were initially detained for questioning. With the assistance of witnesses, officers from the Salem Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff's Office, and the Oregon State Police started to close in on a primary suspect. The investigation led them to a nearby restaurant where the alleged shooter was attempting to hide. A responding patrol officer located the man inside the establishment, leading to his detention.
The suspect was identified as 43-year-old Larry Ray Hatlestad. Following his apprehension, he was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Abraham Torres Borja. An additional charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm was also brought against Hatlestad, stemming from a previous felony conviction for methamphetamine possession in 2013. His subsequent arrest brought a swift, though somber, development to a case that had abruptly ended a man's life.
