Kent detective Ty Sagiao praised for role in homicide case that led to 73-year sentence

A Kent police detective whose work helped prosecutors secure a 73-year sentence in a homicide case has won a law enforcement award, drawing praise from colleagues for his investigative skills and willingness to help.

Casey McNerthney, a spokesperson for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, highlighted Detective Ty Sagiao’s work during an interview on “Seattle’s Morning News” KIRO Newsradio.

McNerthney said Senior Deputy Prosecutor Gary Ernsdorff nominated Sagiao for the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award presented by the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association. The organization held its banquet Friday night in Seattle, and Detective Sagiao was honored.

The nomination drew enthusiastic support from police supervisors and prosecutors, Ernsdorff said in recorded remarks played during the interview.

“When I heard about the nomination, I reached out to his sergeant, one of his chiefs, other prosecutors, and every person leapt at the opportunity to support the nomination,” Ernsdorff said.

Kent detective known for handling complex, high-profile cases involving technology

Sagiao handles a range of investigations, including complicated cases involving technology, according to Ernsdorff, who described the detective as someone he regularly turns to for assistance.

“He’s one of the go-to folks that I call on regularly when we need help with really complex, high-profile investigations, typically involving technology,” Ernsdorff said.

Beyond his technical abilities, Sagiao also earned praise for making himself available when prosecutors need help, even while managing his own workload.

“No matter what is going on or how busy he is, he always answers, and he always says yes,” Ernsdorff said.

As an example, Ernsdorff pointed to Sagiao’s investigation and testimony in the Joseph Dixon homicide case. Dixon was accused of ambushing three men, killing one and injuring two others.

Sagiao testified for the prosecution and helped jurors understand how the technical evidence fit together, Ernsdorff said.

“He did an excellent job not only in testifying but in investigating the case and really helped bring that case to justice,” Ernsdorff said.

McNerthney said Dixon received a 73-year sentence for the fatal shooting and assaults on the two survivors.

The discussion offered a positive counterpoint to concerns raised during the interview about violence in Kent, focusing on the police work behind investigations and prosecutions.

Manda Factor is the host of “Seattle’s Morning News” on KIRO Newsradio. Follow Manda on X and email her here. 

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