On July 25, 2015, a tragic incident occurred in Bend, Oregon, resulting in the death of Andrew Cordes, a 30-year-old man. The events unfolded in the early morning hours at the residence of Daniel Norquist, who was both Cordes' landlord and a long-time friend.
Andrew Cordes was shot four times by Daniel Norquist, leading to his immediate death. The shooting took place in Norquist's house, located on Northeast Nova Loop.
Both Norquist and Cordes were intoxicated at the time of the incident. Following the discovery of Cordes' body, Bend Police Department detectives were promptly called to the scene and initiated an extensive investigation.
As a result of the initial investigation, Daniel Norquist was detained by police upon their arrival and subsequently arrested and charged with Cordes' murder. This arrest occurred early on the morning of July 25, 2015. Norquist was taken into custody and later appeared in court in connection with the fatal shooting.
However, the course of the investigation took a significant turn as additional evidence was uncovered. Deschutes County Deputy District Attorneys Drew Moore and Matt Nelson began presenting the case to a grand jury on July 28, 2015. Before the grand jury proceedings were completed, new evidence emerged that supported Norquist's claim of self-defense. This included the results of a polygraph test that Norquist agreed to take, which corroborated his account of the events. The cumulative evidence led District Attorney John Hummel to reevaluate the case and ultimately decide that the charges against Norquist should be dropped.
District Attorney John Hummel filed a motion with the Circuit Court requesting the dismissal of the case against Daniel Norquist. Hummel acknowledged that the initial arrest was appropriate based on the information available at the time but emphasized that as new facts came to light, it became clear that the evidence was insufficient to overcome Norquist's claim of self-defense. Hummel praised the professionalism and dedication of the Bend Police detectives and his own team, highlighting that the system had worked correctly in this instance by ensuring that justice was served through a thorough and meticulous investigation.
In conclusion, while Daniel Norquist was initially arrested and charged with the murder of Andrew Cordes, the case was eventually dismissed due to compelling evidence supporting Norquist's claim of self-defense. The investigation and subsequent decision reflected a commitment to ensuring that justice was served, even if it meant reversing an initial charge based on new and compelling evidence. The incident left a profound impact on the community, particularly on the family of Andrew Cordes, who was remembered as a young man with hopes and dreams for a wonderful life.
