The controversial relocation of notorious ‘South Hill Rapist’ Kevin Coe to Federal Way, mere feet from an elementary school, has ignited widespread community outrage and a renewed push to re-examine Washington State’s sex offender residency laws, raising critical questions about public safety and legal loopholes.
The name Kevin Coe evokes decades of fear and trauma in Washington State. Known as the “South Hill Rapist,” Coe terrorized Spokane in the late 1970s and early 1980s, believed to have committed around 40 rapes and sexual assaults. His recent unconditional release, despite his classification as a Level 3 sex offender, has thrust him back into the public eye, sparking intense community pushback as authorities struggle to find him a permanent residence.
The latest development sees Coe relocated to a group home in Federal Way, a decision that has been met with immediate alarm, particularly because the residence is located just over 200 feet from Brigadoon Elementary School. This situation highlights critical concerns about public safety and the existing legal framework surrounding sex offender residency.
A Controversial Release and the Search for a Home
Kevin Coe‘s release was granted by a Spokane judge a few weeks ago, despite fervent pleas from his victims and their families to keep him incarcerated. The court’s decision was based on the conclusions of two psychology experts, who determined that Coe, being elderly and in failing health, was no longer considered a danger to the community. This assessment opened the door to his unconditional release, which notably means there are no restrictions on his proximity to schools, daycares, or playgrounds under current state law.
His initial planned move to a group home in Federal Way off South 288th was quickly thwarted by community concerns. He was then moved to a group home near Muckleshoot Casino in Auburn. This relocation took Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus and local police by surprise, as they were not notified in advance. Mayor Backus quickly took to Facebook to announce that Coe would be removed from the city, a move facilitated by the coordinated efforts of the Auburn Police Department, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe of Indians, and engaged community members.
Federal Way’s Unwelcome New Resident
Following his removal from Auburn, Coe’s new address was confirmed to be a group home in southwest Federal Way, alarmingly close to Brigadoon Elementary School. Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell expressed significant disappointment and acknowledged the serious community concerns regarding the move.
“We are disappointed to hear the news that Kevin Coe is moving to Federal Way and want to acknowledge community concerns regarding that move,” Mayor Ferrell stated in an email to The Center Square. “We do not have a say in this matter, and we certainly understand the concerns surrounding it.”
The home itself appeared empty on Tuesday afternoon, with uncovered windows suggesting no one was yet residing there. However, the proximity to the elementary school remains a significant point of contention and fear for local residents.
Neighbors Express Deep Concern
Residents living next door to Coe’s new designated residence have voiced profound unease. Linda Wilson, who has lived in her home for 35 years, articulated the fears shared by many in the community.
“It makes me feel unsafe and just, I mean, it affects us, right? Because we have grandkids, it’s just kind of an uncomfortable situation,” Wilson said. She also noted past “sketchy situations” with the group home over the years, which has been vacant for an extended period before Coe’s scheduled arrival.
The Broader Implications: A Call for Legislative Change
The situation with Kevin Coe has brought Washington State’s laws regarding sex offender residency into sharp focus. The unconditional nature of his release, coupled with the absence of legal restrictions on a Level 3 sex offender living near a school, highlights a perceived loophole that local officials and residents are eager to close.
Mayor Ferrell passionately urged the state legislature to re-examine these laws: “I am personally deeply troubled that current state law permits a Level 3 sex offender to reside in close proximity to an elementary school. I strongly urge our Washington State Legislature to re-examine these laws and consider whether it is in the public’s best interest to allow such individuals to live near any school.”
In response to Coe’s classification, the King County Sheriff’s Office is actively working to send notifications to all neighbors within a quarter-mile radius of his listed address. These notifications will include details about Coe, his current location, and a recent photograph, aiming to keep the community informed despite the legal limitations on residency restrictions.
Historical Context and Community Safety Debate
The saga of Kevin Coe is a grim reminder of the enduring impact of his past crimes. His case has long been a flashpoint in discussions about victim’s rights, the justice system, and the complexities of reintegrating convicted offenders into society. The unanimous public outcry against his proximity to schools underscores a fundamental tension between legal release conditions and community demands for safety, especially concerning vulnerable populations like children.
This incident is likely to fuel ongoing debates among policymakers, legal experts, and community advocates about the balance between an individual’s right to reside where they choose post-release and the paramount need to ensure public safety, particularly when a notorious individual with a history of violent sexual offenses is involved. The lack of proactive notification to local officials in Auburn, and the current legal void concerning residency restrictions for unconditionally released sex offenders, point to systemic gaps that many believe need urgent addressing.
