Killing of American lawyer shocks small Yap community

FBI agents are flying to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) to investigate the fatal shooting of Rachelle Bergeron, an American who was Acting Attorney-General on the Micronesian island of Yap.

Ms Bergeron was reportedly shot three times while jogging near her home.

Yap Memorial State Hospital medical chief of staff Bodunrin Mandela said Ms Bergeron was shot at close range. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but was dead on arrival.

Ms Bergeron moved to Yap in 2015 after being hired as Assistant Attorney-General — she was promoted to Acting Attorney-General early this year. She had previously practiced law in Washington, D.C., New York City and India, according to a press release from the Yap State government.

The killing has shocked the tiny island of Yap, home to just 11,000 people, where Bergeron had been prosecuting criminals in her role as acting attorney general.

Governor Henry Falan says it's a dark time for Yap.

"As governor of the state of Yap, I promise to do everything in my power to have justice prevail and restore civility into our society. This crime is under investigation."