Valerie Ann Peterson, a 58-year-old Bend-area resident, was fatally shot on January 16, 2019, one day before what would have been her 59th birthday. She is remembered for her positivity and passions, and her death had a profound impact on family and neighbors.

Investigators identified a neighbor, 49-year-old Joanna Kasner, as the primary suspect. Kasner faced multiple charges stemming from the incident, including murder, attempted murder, menacing, first-degree animal abuse, and unlawful use of a weapon. Mental state was a central issue during the trial, which began February 26, 2020, and resumed in April 2020. Many related court documents were initially sealed; proceedings examined both the shooting and other alleged offenses linked to Kasner.

Valerie Peterson’s husband later pursued civil action against Kasner.