
A Seattle police officer receives a 16-year prison sentence for fatally shooting a homeless man, marking a landmark case under new Washington state laws.
At a Glance
- Officer Jeffrey Nelson convicted of second-degree murder and first-degree assault
- First conviction under Washington’s new law easing prosecution of police killings
- Nelson sentenced to 16 1/2 years for murder, 6 1/2 years for assault, served concurrently
- Case sets precedent for police accountability in Washington state
- City of Auburn settled with victim’s family for $4 million
Landmark Conviction Under New Law
In a groundbreaking case, suburban Seattle police officer Jeffrey Nelson has been sentenced to over 16 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Jesse Sarey, a homeless man, in 2019. This marks the first conviction under Washington state’s new law that aims to simplify the prosecution of law enforcement officers involved in on-duty killings.
The conviction and sentencing of Nelson represent a significant shift in how police conduct is evaluated and prosecuted in Washington. The new law removes the requirement to prove “malice” in police killings, instead focusing on whether the use of force was reasonable and necessary.
The incident occurred when Nelson responded to reports of a man causing disturbances. The confrontation escalated, resulting in Nelson shooting Sarey twice. Nelson claimed self-defense, but video evidence contradicted his account, showing that Sarey was not posing an immediate threat when he was shot.
“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. The judge criticized the Auburn Police Department for supporting Nelson despite evidence of his violent conduct.
Implications for Police Accountability
The case is seen as a significant step toward greater accountability for law enforcement officers in Washington state. It sets a precedent for how similar cases may be handled in the future, potentially encouraging more rigorous scrutiny of police actions.
The City of Auburn has already settled with Sarey’s family for $4 million, and has paid additional settlements related to Nelson’s actions. This financial impact underscores the broader consequences of police misconduct on taxpayers and communities.
The verdict and sentencing have elicited mixed reactions. Sarey’s family expressed relief, seeing it as justice for impacted families. However, Nelson’s defense plans to appeal, citing alleged legal errors during the trial.