A jury convicted a suburban Seattle police officer of murder on Thursday for fatally shooting a homeless man outside a convenience store in 2019. This marks the first time a Washington state law, which makes it easier to prosecute officers for on-duty killings, has resulted in a murder conviction.
After three days of deliberation, the jury found Auburn Police Officer Jeffrey Nelson guilty of second-degree murder and first-degree assault. Nelson shot Jesse Sarey twice while attempting to arrest him for disorderly conduct.
The jury initially struggled to reach a unanimous verdict on the murder charge, but had already agreed on the assault charge. Nelson, who has been on paid administrative leave since the incident, was taken into custody after the verdict was read.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 16. Nelson faces a potential life sentence for murder and up to 25 years for assault. His attorney intends to request a new trial.
Jeffery Nelson awaits the jury’s verdict (Via Jonathon Bell/Getty Images)
Elaine Simons, Sarey’s former foster mother, expressed relief at the guilty verdicts, saying it brings closure and peace to his family. Sarey, whose parents survived the Khmer Rouge genocide in Cambodia, became homeless after leaving foster care.
“It has been a long five years to achieve justice,” Simons said. “This case sets an important precedent for police accountability, ensuring the safety of Auburn’s citizens.”
Auburn previously settled a civil rights lawsuit with Sarey’s family for $4 million and paid nearly $2 million more to resolve other legal claims related to Nelson’s actions as a police officer.
