UPDATED: CTUIR releases homicide statement
By Terry Murry on Thursday, May 26th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
MISSION – The Umatilla County Jail Roster lists Kawlija Nicoah Scott, 25, as an inmate, arrested by Umatilla Tribal Police officers Wednesday evening. He is charged with a single count of criminal homicide with no bail.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation in Portland has confirmed it is assisting Umatilla Tribal Police in a homicide investigation, and a spokesperson there indicated UTPD would issue an initial statement regarding the arrest.
The statement from Umatilla Tribal Police received at 10:45 a.m. May 27:
MISSION, OR – On May 25, 2022, at approximately 4:00 pm, Kawlija Nicoah Scott was arrested by Umatilla Tribal Police on probable cause that he committed homicide on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Scott, a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), is alleged to have stabbed Gabriel David Freeman earlier on May 25 at the victim’s residence, resulting in his death. Scott fled the scene and was soon after apprehended by Umatilla Tribal Police and arrested on a Tribal charge of homicide. The case is being investigated by Tribal Police with assistance from the FBI.
Given the nature of the allegations both the CTUIR, pursuant to its inherent jurisdiction, and the United States, pursuant to the Major Crimes Act, have concurrent jurisdiction over this case.
