King County Prosecutor charges Auburn police officer with second-degree murder
Aug 20, 2020, 11:34 AM
Dan Satterberg. (AP/Elaine Thompson)
(AP/Elaine Thompson)
King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg announced Thursday that his office is charging Auburn police officer Jeff Nelson with second-degree murder and assault from a May 2019 fatal shooting.
The Seattle Times reports that Nelson responded to a disorderly conduct call on the evening of May 31, 2019, where he found 26-year-old Jesse Sarey. Nelson and Sarey got into a physical altercation, then Nelson shot Sarey. He later died at Harborview.
The officer-involved shooting was investigated by the Valley Independent Investigation Team.
Not This Time! founder and local activist Andre Taylor spoke on the charges Thursday, citing how they indicate the success of police reform measures like I-940.
“What we see is 940 working,” Taylor said.
In unrelated press conference Not This Time! founder Andre Taylor – who led effort to get police accountability measure I-940 passed, reacts to news from @KCProsecutor of 1st officer charged since I940 passed, Auburn PD Officer in killing of Jesse Saray @KIRORadio #justice4jesse pic.twitter.com/T244jmuz4P
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) August 20, 2020
Nelson has an extensive history of using force, including two other fatal shootings and an incident where he broke a suspect’s ankles after running after him with a police car, the Seattle Times reports.
The city of Auburn released a statement Thursday in response to the charges:
On May 31, 2019, Auburn police were involved in an incident that resulted in the death of Jesse Sarey. Today, the King County Prosecuting Attorney announced that criminal charges for second degree murder and first degree assault will be filed by the King County Prosecuting Attorney related to this incident.
The loss of life is tragic, and we extend our sympathy to the Sarey family and the community. We, the City of Auburn, acknowledge that this is an important time to do internal work and reflection coupled with community engagement.
Since this is now an active legal matter, we cannot comment further at this time. Please direct all questions about this matter to the prosecutor’s office.
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