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Auburn Police Officer Jeffrey Nelson sentenced to 16 years for 2019 fatal shooting

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Auburn Police Officer Jeffrey Nelson was sentenced Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 to over 16 years in prison for the 2019 fatal shooting of Jesse Sarey, a 26-year-old homeless man.

This marks the first conviction under a Washington state law that facilitates the prosecution of officers for on-duty killings. 

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As we previously reported, in June 2024, a jury found Nelson guilty of second-degree murder and first-degree assault.

King County Superior Court Judge Nicole Gaines Phelps sentenced him to 16.5 years for the murder charge and 6.5 years for the assault charge, to be served concurrently. 

Prosecutors argued that Nelson punched Sarey multiple times before shooting him in the abdomen and, seconds later, in the forehead. Nelson claimed self-defense, alleging Sarey attempted to grab his gun and a knife. However, video evidence indicated that Sarey was on his back, facing away from Nelson, after the initial shot. 

Special Prosecutor Patty Eakes highlighted Nelson’s history of violence and disregard for training, urging for a high-end sentence. She emphasized that Sarey was unarmed and posed no threat when shot. 

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Sarey’s family expressed relief at the verdict. Elaine Simmons, Sarey’s foster mother, stated, “Six years in the making to see justice not only for Jesse but for all impacted families in Washington state!” 

Defense attorney Emma Scanlan announced plans to appeal, citing alleged legal errors during the trial. She emphasized that police officers deserve fair treatment when charged with crimes. 

This case is significant as it is the first conviction under a 2018 Washington state law that removed the requirement for prosecutors to prove an officer acted with malice, making it easier to prosecute on-duty killings. 

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