Prosecutors are set to review a thorough investigation conducted by a multi-agency team into the tragic officer-involved shooting that led to the death of a 43-year-old man in Federal Way in November 2023. The Valley Independent Investigative Team recently disclosed in a news release on April 12 that they have forwarded the case to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for further scrutiny. The Valley Independent Investigative Team comprises law enforcement agencies from Renton, Auburn, Federal Way, Kent, the Port of Seattle, Tukwila, and Des Moines.
Meeghan Black, a Renton Police Department public information officer in charge of handling media inquiries related to the investigation, refrained from providing any comments on the findings of the investigation. However, it was mentioned in a previous communication from Black that the investigative team was awaiting the results of one final test before submitting the case to prosecutors.
The incident unfolded when Federal Way police officers responded to a distressing domestic violence call in the 4000 block of Southwest 337th Street. The 43-year-old man, who resided at the address in question, emerged from the front door brandishing a knife and advanced towards the officers despite repeated commands to stand down. Subsequently, the officers discharged their weapons in response to the imminent threat posed by the armed individual. Immediate medical aid was administered at the scene, with paramedics arriving promptly to provide additional treatment. Unfortunately, the man succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
In the aftermath of the investigation conducted by the Valley Independent Investigative Team, it was clarified that the team does not make recommendations regarding the outcomes of officer-involved shooting investigations. The responsibility for determining whether criminal charges should be brought rests with the prosecutors. Following the completion of the investigation, a designated deputy prosecutor will meticulously review all aspects of the case to ascertain whether there is sufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges or if the use of force was justified.
In cases where the evidence falls short of supporting criminal charges, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will refer the investigation to the King County Executive for an inquest into the circumstances leading to the tragic death, as mandated by executive order. It was highlighted by Douglas Wagoner, a spokesperson for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, that there is no fixed timeline for the release of the findings from the Valley Independent Investigative Team’s investigation into the incident that occurred on November 16, 2023..
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