Police Officer Sentenced to 16 Years Over Fatal Shooting In Washington

A suburban Seattle police officer has been sentenced to over 16 years in prison for the fatal shooting of a homeless man, marking the first conviction under Washington state’s new law easing the prosecution of law enforcement officers for on-duty killings.

At a Glance

  • Jeffrey Nelson, a suburban Seattle police officer, was convicted of second-degree murder and first-degree assault
  • Nelson was sentenced to over 16 years in prison for the 2019 shooting death of Jesse Sarey
  • This is the first conviction under Washington’s new law easing prosecution of police for on-duty killings
  • The case sets a precedent for police conduct and accountability in Washington state
  • The City of Auburn settled with Sarey’s family for $4 million

Landmark Conviction Under New Washington Law

Jeffrey Nelson, a suburban Seattle police officer, has been sentenced to over 16 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Jesse Sarey, a homeless man, in 2019. This case marks a significant moment in Washington state’s legal history as the first conviction under a new law designed to facilitate the prosecution of law enforcement officers for on-duty killings.

The conviction of Nelson on charges of second-degree murder and first-degree assault has drawn attention to the changing landscape of police accountability in Washington. The new law, which eases the burden of proof for prosecutors in cases involving police use of force, played a crucial role in securing this conviction. This legal shift represents a significant change in how such cases are approached and potentially prosecuted in the state.

Nelson received a sentence of 16 1/2 years for murder and 6 1/2 years for assault, to be served concurrently. The case revolved around a confrontation where Nelson responded to reports of a man causing disturbances, leading to the fatal shooting of Sarey. Despite Nelson’s claims of self-defense, video evidence contradicted his account, revealing a disturbing pattern of behavior.

“What was Jesse Sarey doing? Sitting outside of a grocery store drinking from discarded cups. He had other tools other than pulling out his gun and shooting an unarmed person in the stomach,” King County Special Prosecutor Patty Eakes said.

Prosecutors highlighted Nelson’s history of violence and disregard for training, noting that he had previously killed two other individuals while on duty. This pattern of behavior raised serious questions about Nelson’s fitness for duty and the oversight mechanisms within the Auburn Police Department.

The conviction of Nelson is seen as a significant step toward greater accountability for police officers in Washington state. It sets a precedent that may influence how similar cases are handled in the future, potentially leading to more scrutiny of police conduct and use of force.

“This has been a long five years for a semblance of justice. It has set a precedent for police officers to do what is right. The citizens of Auburn can have a sense of safety,” Elaine Simons said.

The case has also sparked discussions about police training, departmental policies, and the need for reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future. Judge Nicole Gaines Phelps criticized the Auburn Police Department for supporting Nelson despite evidence of his violent conduct, highlighting systemic issues that may need addressing.

The City of Auburn settled with Sarey’s family for $4 million.