Constantine Signs Order To Resume King County Inquests

KING COUNTY, WA — King County Executive Dow Constantine signed an executive order Wednesday that will soon allow the inquest process for fatal police shootings to resume. Earlier this month, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled unanimously ruling to uphold several reforms to the fact-finding inquiries, which have faced several legal challenges since they were enacted in 2018.

"After years of delay, we can finally begin to deliver answers for the public, and for the families of those who have died in an interaction with the state," Constantine said. "With today's action, I am also directing our Inquest Program to move with all deliberate speed to restart inquests so that we can start to take steps toward clarity, accountability and closure."

According to the high court's recent ruling, inquest panels can be asked to determine if someone killed in a police shooting died by "criminal means," and inquests may also review department policies and training. The officers or deputies responsible for the killings must testify and may be subpoenaed. Constantine said Wednesday's latest order would bring the process into full alignment with the court's ruling and state law.

"I am so happy that these community driven changes are finally being instituted into law," said Renton City Councilmember Ed Prince. "Thank you to Executive Constantine for fighting to make sure these changes stayed put. Now let's help families who have waited so long for closure get answers."

When inquests were paused three years ago, six inquiries were ready to be heard and 16 more were in waiting. The new order will allow the inquests to resume as scheduling permits, officials said. The first six include an inquest into the Seattle Police Department's killing of Damarius Butts in April 2017 and Charleena Lyles in June 2017. Updated information about each case is posted on the county's website.