Responding to the report of a burglary June 30, Silverton Police Office Tony Gonzalez, 35, shot and killed Andrew James Hanlon, 20. The incident occurred after 11 p.m. near the intersection of Oak and Mill streets.
Hanlon, “AJ” to his friends, was an Irish citizen who had been visiting his sister and brother-in-law, Silverton residents Melanie and Nathan Heise. Nathan Heise said Hanlon had developed minor mental issues, including elements of paranoia and delusional behavior in the months prior to his death. Hanlon was attending a counseling program in Salem.
As is standard practice after an officer-involved shooting occurs, Gonzalez was placed on paid administrative leave while the Marion County Homicide Assault Response Team investigates the incident, Silverton Police Capt. Jeff Fossholm said.
The team’s report, scheduled to be released to Marion County District Attorney Walt Beglau within the next two weeks, will be passed to a grand jury to determine if Gonzalez’s actions were justified.
The day after the shooting a candlelight vigil held at the site of the shooting. On July 2, approximately 70 people gathered outside Silverton City Hall to protest the lack of information available about the incident. The shooting and protest received the attention of the press, making headlines statewide and in Ireland.
Family members viewed the body on July 3 and told reporters it appeared Hanlon had been shot multiple times.
On July 8, the Silverton Police Officers’ Association released a statement in support of Gonzalez, calling his actions “justified” and criticizing speculation about the shooting.
The announcement was condemned the following day in a statement by Marion County Deputy District Attorney Matt Kemmy, who urged the department and all law enforcement agencies to refrain from public comment until the investigation is complete.
Hanlon’s mother, Dorothea Hanlon Carroll, arrived in Oregon on July 10 to retrieve her son’s body and take it back to Ireland. She and other family members met with the district attorney on July 11.
A private memorial service was held in Silverton July 12. An open memorial for Hanlon is scheduled for Aug. 3 at Silver Falls State Park.
In an unrelated matter, Gonzalez was arrested July 13 on charges he sexually abused an underage girl. The girl and her mother reported the abuse to Keizer police July 12. As of press time he was being held in Polk County Jail.
