Auburn Police Officer Jeffrey Nelson was sentenced to 16. 5 years for the 2019 shooting death of Jesse Sarey, a case that has garnered significant attention as the first conviction under a 2018 Washington law facilitating the prosecution of on-duty police killings. The jury's guilty verdict for second-degree murder and first-degree assault came after compelling video evidence revealed that Sarey was unarmed and posed no threat when shot. Prosecutors highlighted Nelson's history of violence and lack of adherence to training protocols, arguing that his actions were unjustifiable. In contrast, the defense maintained that Nelson acted in self-defense, claiming Sarey attempted to grab his gun and a knife.

This ruling has brought relief to Sarey’s family, who expressed hope that it could lead to justice for other affected families in Washington state. Nelson's defense attorney has indicated plans to appeal, raising concerns about alleged legal errors during the trial. The case is pivotal in shaping future accountability for police officers in Washington, as it removes the previous requirement for proving malice in such prosecutions. The outcome signals a potential shift in how law enforcement-related fatalities are handled legally within the region.