"The Call Ended Abruptly"

"PORTLAND, OR - A southwest Oregon man shot his wife in the back after hiding in her car while she met with a divorce attorney, authorities said Wednesday.

"Travis Kendall, 26, of Myrtle Point, later killed himself after a confrontation with Coquille Police Chief Mark Dannels, said Coos County District Attorney R. Paul Frasier.

"The woman, 22-year-old Ashley Kendall, was transferred from a southwest Oregon hospital to Portland’s Legacy Emanuel Hospital. Frasier described Kendall’s condition as “extremely” critical, saying the bullet entered her upper back and exited her chest. Hospital spokeswoman Amber Shoebridge declined comment.

"Ashley Kendall’s shooting was reported by her sister, who told police she was on the phone with her when she heard screams that `he` was in the car. The call ended abruptly.

"Investigators believe Travis Kendall drove to the attorney’s office in Coos Bay and hid in his wife’s car while she was in the office, only presenting himself when she started to drive. The wounded woman’s body was found on a street.

"The shooting ignited an immediate search for Kendall and the missing vehicle. Dannels spotted the car late Tuesday and gave chase until it reached Kendall’s home. Dannels fired shots during the ensuing confrontation, with one them hitting Kendall in the leg. Kendall, according to Frasier, then ducked around the corner of the house and shot himself in the head. An autopsy will be performed.

"Records show Travis Kendall was jailed on a domestic abuse charge in October. He was ordered not to have contact with Ashley following his conditional release."

From The Olympian...