MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Mayor Murray acknowledges connection to accuser

Apr 18, 2017, 6:13 PM | Updated: 8:36 pm

Murray...

Jeff Simpson has accused Seattle Mayor Ed Murray of sexual abuse while he was a minor in the 1980s. (KIRO 7, AP)

(KIRO 7, AP)

As allegations of sexual abuse continue to surround Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, he admitted Tuesday that he does have a connection with one of his accusers.

“I was his legal guardian for just under two years,” Murray told KIRO 7 Tuesday, referring to Jeff Simpson.

RELATED: Murray accuser says “Ed is not evil … Ed is sick”

Simpson is one of two Portland men who have accused the Seattle mayor of sexual abuse while they were minors in the 1980s. Recently, a third man has made similar accusations in a lawsuit — a Kent man referred to as D.H. in court documents. The mayor has denied the allegations.

Recently, KIRO 7 obtained documents from the State of Oregon that confirms Simpson was under the foster care of Ed Murray in 1982 at a Portland address.

“DHS gave him custody of me, and to become my foster father,” Simpson told KIRO 7. “But the abuse started at age 13; he raped me for the first time at age 13. When I was living with him, it would be almost every night.”

Simpson has previously detailed how the abuse began after he met Murray while living at an orphanage. Murray was a volunteer at the time. According to Simpson, the two developed a relationship and Simpson often went to his apartment for dinners and movies.

Now, however, Simpson is speaking out about the alleged abuse. He stresses that he is not asking for anything other than for the mayor to admit what he did.

“I need closure,” Simpson said. “Your victims need closure so they can heal.”

MyNorthwest News

des moines shooting charges...

MyNorthwest Staff

Two charged with murder after allegedly shooting youth football coach in Des Moines

Two men have been charged with first-degree murder after the fatal shooting of a father and youth football coach in Des Moines.

16 minutes ago

Forks attempted murder...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Forks woman shot in the chest by family member, man arrested for attempted murder

A 49-year-old from Forks has been arrested for allegedly shooting a family member in the chest over the weekend.

59 minutes ago

Port of Seattle cruise season...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Port of Seattle reports $1.2 billion economic boost from 2026 cruise season

The Port of Seattle completed its 2026 cruise season Sunday, setting record numbers for participation. The season served nearly 2 million revenue passengers.

1 hour ago

larch madness parking leaves changing...

Chris Sullivan

Larch Madness, more like bad parking madness as people chase view of changing leaves

You're running out of time to catch "Larch Madness" along SR 20 in the North Cascades. But if you do head up there over the next few days, don't act like a fool.

1 hour ago

no kings seattle protest...

James Lynch

Seattle police report no major incidents at No Kings rally

Seattle police are calling Saturday’s No Kings rally and march a success, reporting no arrests, property damage, or issues involving participants.

12 hours ago

fake uber kent...

REGAN GALLO-FENZ, MYNORTHWEST STAFF

Woman jumps from suspected fake Uber at Kent red light, police say

A 25-year-old passenger leaped from a vehicle at a red light in Kent and ran as the driver sped away, believing she had entered a fake Uber.

12 hours ago

Mayor Murray acknowledges connection to accuser