Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus expressed frustration on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025 after learning through media reports that Kevin Coe, a man with a documented history of violence, had been relocated to Auburn without prior notice to the city.
Coe is a convicted sex offender from Spokane who became widely known in the 1980s as the “South Hill Rapist.” He was convicted in connection with a string of assaults that terrorized Spokane’s South Hill neighborhood and was later designated a sexually violent predator. After serving prison time, Coe was civilly committed to McNeil Island, where he remained for decades under state supervision. His release or relocation has repeatedly sparked strong community concern in Washington due to his documented history of violent sexual offenses.
Backus said Auburn officials were not informed by the King County Sheriff’s Office or other agencies about Coe’s release into the community. She said the lack of coordination undermines public safety and erodes community trust.
“When decisions of this magnitude are made – especially involving individuals with a documented history of violence – local jurisdictions such as Auburn deserve to be informed in advance,” Backus said in a statement.
The mayor emphasized that Auburn has a long track record of stepping up to address regional public safety challenges, but she said the city should not be treated as a “fallback option” when other communities resist placements.
Backus said the Auburn Police Department has verified Coe’s location and will begin community notifications as allowed by law. Officers will also conduct frequent checks to ensure he remains compliant with registration requirements. She added that the city is working with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe on potential remedies.
The mayor also made clear her anger over the lack of consultation, demanding greater transparency and collaboration among local, county and state agencies in the future.
Here’s Backus’ full statement:
“The City of Auburn was not notified by the King County Sheriff’s Office or any other agency that Mr. Kevin Coe was being relocated here. Like many of our residents, we learned of this recent development through newspapers and TV stations. That is not how effective public safety partnerships should operate, and we should expect better.
“When decisions of this magnitude are made – especially involving individuals with a documented history of violence – local jurisdictions such as Auburn deserve to be informed in advance so we can ensure the safety, communication, and peace of mind of our community. Transparency and coordination among agencies are essential to maintaining public trust.
“It’s disappointing that this process appears to be unfolding in the media rather than through professional collaboration between local, county, and state jurisdictions. Moving people from one city to another in response to public pressure is not a sound public safety strategy. It’s reactive, and it erodes community confidence. Auburn cannot, and should not, be treated as a community of last resort when other placements are met with opposition. That’s not how responsible governance works.
“Auburn has always stepped up to do its part in addressing regional challenges, especially public safety, but we will not quietly accept becoming a fallback option for difficult decisions made elsewhere. Our residents deserve better than to have these decisions made without transparency or thoughtful planning.
“We will do everything within our legal authority to keep our community protected and informed. Now that we are aware of Mr. Coe’s presence, the Auburn Police Department has verified his location and will immediately begin the process of notifying the community as allowed under law. Our officers will also conduct frequent verification checks to ensure Mr. Coe remains compliant with all registration requirements. We are also in close communication with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe for further remedies.
“And let me be clear: I am angry that Mr. Coe was released into our community. Auburn was not part of this decision, and we should not be asked to shoulder the consequences of choices made without consultation. Decisions of this significance must be based on safety, communication, and logic – not on convenience, reaction or circumstance.
“We demand better coordination moving forward to ensure that every community, including ours, is informed and protected.”
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