Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus said this week that Kevin Coe, the convicted rapist known as the “South Hill Rapist,” is no longer residing in Auburn after city officials learned of his relocation to the community through media reports.
As we previously reported, Kevin Coe had apparently moved to Auburn, unbeknownst to Backus and other city officials.
Backus said the move was reversed thanks to quick coordination between the Auburn Police Department, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, and local community members.
“Through the quick, coordinated work of the Auburn Police Department, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe of Indians, and engaged members of our community, Mr. Coe has since been removed from his Auburn residence and is no longer living in our city,” Backus said in a statement. “Their diligence and rapid action ensured that Auburn did not bear the burden of a decision on which we were never consulted.”
Backus previously expressed frustration over what she described as a lack of communication about Coe’s relocation to Auburn. She said Auburn officials were not notified in advance and only learned of his move when it was reported by local media.
The mayor emphasized that the situation highlights a larger issue of communication and accountability when it comes to state-supervised offenders being relocated into local communities.
“This outcome isn’t about ‘kicking the can down the road,’ nor should it be,” Backus said. “Mr. Coe, like any individual released under state supervision, must reside somewhere — and that reality underscores why communication, coordination, and thoughtful planning are so important. Every community deserves transparency and a voice when matters of public safety are at stake.”
Backus added that Auburn will continue to push for greater coordination with state and county officials, saying the city remains committed to public safety and transparency.
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