Katelynn May Armand, known as Kate, was 24 when she was killed on December 25, 2016, in King City, Oregon. She was found lying dead in the street after reports of gunshots near the home where her estranged husband, 30-year-old James Tylka, had been living with his mother. The couple had recently separated and were in the midst of divorce proceedings; they shared a young daughter and disputes over custody and support were reported.

After the shooting, Tylka fled and was pursued by police. During the confrontation an Oregon State Police trooper, Nic Cederberg, was shot multiple times and critically wounded; he returned fire and responding officers shot Tylka dead in a cul-de-sac after he continued to engage them. Trooper Cederberg underwent emergency surgery and was hospitalized in critical condition.

Kate Armand was a mother of two and worked as a medical technician at an Oregon senior living center. Her death on Christmas Day deeply affected family and community; a celebration of her life was held January 7, 2016, at the Kelso/Longview Elks Lodge in Kelso, Washington.

If anyone knew Kate, her routines, or saw activity near Tylka’s residence that day, please share information that could help clarify what happened.