Honolulu FBI agents assist Micronesia following American lawyer’s fatal shooting in Yap

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - Honolulu FBI agents say they’re providing investigative assistance to the Federated States of Micronesia following the fatal shooting of a Wisconsin native who served as acting attorney general for the tiny island nation of Yap.

Rachelle Bergeron was shot and killed as she returned home Monday from a run with her dog.

Friends told the Associated Press that Bergeron had planned to soon return to the U.S. after a challenging stint prosecuting criminals in Micronesia. The killing has shocked Yap, home to 11,000 people, where authorities have not said whether they have any suspects in the crime.

In a video statement posted online, Yap Gov. Henry Falan offered his condolences to Bergeron’s husband and extended family. “Her loss will be greatly felt by all who knew her,” he said. “Yap’s spirit is broken by this senseless crime. Today marks a tragic day in our history.”

Public Statement by Gov. Henry S. Falan on Death of Acting AG
Public Statement by Gov. Henry S. Falan on Death of Acting AG
Posted by Yap State Government Public Information Service on Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Bergeron first moved to Yap in 2015 when she took a job as assistant attorney general, AP reports.

She previously worked in Washington D.C., New York and India.

A GoFundMe page has been created to help Bergeron’s family with funeral costs.