Harkins sentenced 25-years to live for murder
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The following is a press release from the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office.
Haile Harkins receives a 25-year to life sentence for killing one person and shooting two others in Chiloquin, Klamath County
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - The Klamath County District Attorney’s Office announced that on August 22, 2023, Halie Harkins received a mandatory minimum 25-year to life prison sentence for shooting and killing Tyler Bates and injuring two other victims.
“Ms. Harkins fired multiple gunshots into Mr. Bates—some after he was on the ground—killing him outside his house with members of his family inside while also injuring two other victims,” said Oregon Department of Justice, Senior Assistant Attorney General John Casalino, who prosecuted this case. “Ms. Harkins’ violent intentional conduct has caused this community and particularly this family to suffer a deep and lasting loss,” Casalino said.
This investigation began on August 7, 2022, when law enforcement responded to the shooting in Chiloquin. On December 16, 2022, a full evidentiary hearing regarding bail and release was held. The Honorable Judge Alicia Kersey found that the proof was evident and the presumption strong that defendant murdered Tyler Bates; bail and release were denied.
On August 18, 2023, the defendant appeared in front of The Honorable Roxanne Osborne and pleaded guilty to Murder in the Degree and two counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree. On August 22, 2023, the defendant was sentenced to 25 years in prison and only after completion of that minimum period of confinement may she petition the State Board of Parole and Post-Prison for release.
It was through the work and coordination of the Klamath County Major Crimes Team (MCT) that this case was investigated and prosecuted. The Klamath County District Attorney’s Office would like to recognize members of the MCT who responded to the 9-1-1 calls including the lead investigator, Klamath County Sheriff’s Deputy Sergeant Daniel Towery for all their dedicated and expert efforts investigating and assisting throughout this case.
The Klamath County Major Crimes Team includes law enforcement from the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath Falls Police Department and the Oregon State Police, as well as Klamath County Parole and Probation and the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office.
The MCT is responsible for collectively investigating significant criminal events throughout Klamath County, including homicides, that because of their complexity cannot be effectively processed by each agency individually. The MCT recognizes that multi-agency cooperation is essential to
make Klamath County safer for residents.
The Klamath County District Attorney’s Office also thanks Victim Advocate, Rosie Salazar, for her commitment to supporting the victims and families throughout the criminal justice process.
The Klamath County District Attorney’s office is currently being managed by Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, through Senior Assistant Attorney General John Casalino of the Criminal Justice Division of the Oregon Department of Justice.
The Criminal Justice Division provides investigative, trial, training and legal advice to support Oregon’s District Attorney and law enforcement agencies. Assistant Attorneys General from the Criminal Justice Division travel to local communities and prosecute crimes throughout Oregon to make all Oregon counties safer.