‘South Hill Rapist’ Kevin Coe now living in Auburn
Oct 8, 2025, 5:53 AM
Kevin Coe, the man known as Spokane’s "South Hill Rapist" appearing in court in 2006. (MyNorthwest file photo)
(MyNorthwest file photo)
Convicted rapist Kevin Coe, known as the ‘South Hill Rapist,’ is now living in Auburn, according to records from the King County Sheriff’s Office.
Coe, 78, registered as a Level 3 sex offender at a home on 15th Street Southeast in Auburn, after plans to place him in Federal Way received pushback.
He is known as Spokane’s “South Hill Rapist.” Coe was released last week by the Spokane County Superior Court after being deemed no longer a sexually violent predator.
“It puts us on guard,” Daryl, a resident of Auburn, said. “I don’t know who decided to put him that close.”
It’s too close for comfort for neighbors who say they were shocked to find out Coe is living just a few homes away.
“I was already concerned that he was going to be in Federal Way… now he’s on my block, actually,” Angel Moran, another Auburn resident, said. “It’s something really concerning.”
“I heard he was going to Federal Way. I did not hear he was coming to the city limits of Auburn,” Patty, a neighbor, said, expressing her surprise. “And I’m just not very happy about it.”
The city of Auburn told KIRO 7 they had no prior knowledge or communication that Coe would be moving into a home there.
Coe was found guilty in one rape case but is suspected of being linked to more than 40 others in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His alleged victims were between 15 and 51 years old.
His presence in the neighborhood has raised concerns among residents about safety, particularly for children.
“They got little ones across the street,” Daryl added. “They got little ones out down the street, you know? We don’t need that here.”
“This is a really peaceful neighborhood, to be honest,” Moran added. “We just have our kids walk into the bus stations and stuff without any problems. But now knowing that’s actually an issue, it’s a little concerning.”
Auburn Police have stated they will conduct check-ins with Coe to ensure he remains at the registered address.
“I’m really on guard. I mean, you’ve got to put them somewhere,” Daryl said. “I think jail is a good place for him.”
