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King County Washington home

Reported deaths, 2017-present

The public has a strong interest in examining and understanding deadly use of force incidents involving law enforcement or corrections agencies, and other deaths where the action or inaction of law enforcement or corrections officers played a significant role in a person's death.

This page is intended to be a comprehensive list of people who have died in King County following an interaction with law enforcement, or in the custody of law enforcement. The medical examiner, prosecuting attorney, and all law enforcement agencies are required to notify the Inquest Program Manager when they become aware of a person's death following an interaction with law enforcement, or while in the custody of law enforcement. The Inquest Program Manager may also use other sources in preparing this list.

The Inquest Program makes recommendations whether an inquest should be held. The King County Executive makes the final decision. For more details, please refer to the 2025 Executive Order.

For more information on cases, refer to the respective case page, located under Current inquests or Archived inquests. 

Status definitions

  • Additional information needed: Death has been reported to the Inquest Program. Inquest Program staff need additional information from other agencies in order to make a recommendation to the Executive on whether to call the case for an inquest hearing.
  • Under review: The Inquest Program is reviewing the case to make a recommendation to the Executive on whether to call the case for an inquest hearing.
  • Pending Executive's decision: The Inquest Program reviewed the case, provided a recommendation to the Executive, and is awaiting the Executive’s decision.
  • Inquest ordered: The Executive has ordered an inquest. Once a hearing date is scheduled, the date will be posted on the respective case webpage and on the inquest calendar.
  • No inquest ordered: After receiving the Inquest Program's recommendation and materials, the Executive has decided not to order an inquest hearing.
  • Inquest completed: An inquest hearing was held and a jury entered written findings. More information about completed inquests, including the jury's answers to interrogatories, can be found on the respective case webpage under Archived Inquests.