‘South Hill rapist’ moved back to Federal Way, near elementary school
Oct 21, 2025, 12:32 PM | Updated: 4:31 pm
A photo of Kevin Coe, known as the "South Hill rapist," who died of natural causes on December 3, 2025. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
The man known as the “South Hill rapist” was moved back to Federal Way after pushback from the Auburn community.
Convicted rapist and Level 3 sex offender Kevin Coe is now living in the 33700 block of 38th Place Southwest, as stated on Washington’s sex offender registry. Coe’s address is close to Brigadoon Elementary School.
Coe was originally going to live in Federal Way, but after outcry from residents and the mayor, he was moved to Auburn.
“I had no idea until we heard it in the media,” Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus told “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio earlier this month. “They were calling, asking us how we felt about Kevin Coe’s relocation to Auburn, and we were surprised. We had no idea that he had been released to an Auburn adult family home.”
The Auburn community was outraged, and Coe has since been placed back in Federal Way.
“We are disappointed to hear the news that Kevin Coe is moving to Federal Way, and want to acknowledge community concerns regarding that move. We do not have a say in this matter, and we certainly understand the concerns surrounding it,” Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell said in a statement, according to KIRO 7.
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Federal Way mayor says Coe is not a threat to the community
Ferrell noted Coe is in his late 70s and is confined to a wheelchair, but that does not eliminate the possibility of him re-offending. However, the mayor added that Coe is not a threat to the Federal Way community.
“We are confident that his presence in Federal Way does not pose a significant public safety risk to our residents. We understand that may be cold comfort, but those are the facts as provided to us,” Ferrell stated.
The mayor said the city is working with the King County Sheriff’s Office to notify all neighbors within a quarter-mile radius of Coe’s address. That includes details about Coe, his current location, and a current photo.
“Public safety remains our highest priority, and while our legal options in this particular case are limited, we are committed to doing everything within our authority to support and protect our community,” Ferrell stated.
Contributing: KIRO 7
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