FEDERAL WAY, Wash. – Kevin Coe, the man known as the South Hill Rapist, has been moved from his residence in Auburn to Federal Way, according to the Mayor of Auburn Nancy Backus.
The move comes after on October 2, with conflicting addresses listed in court documents and Coe’s eventual sex offender registration.
His registration has now been updated, listing an address in the 33700 block of 38th Place Southwest in Federal Way—less than half a mile from Brigadoon Elementary School.
The Department of Social and Health Services originally stated that Coe would be released to an adult care facility in Federal Way. When NonStop Local reached out to the King County Sheriff’s Office, they said, “Kevin Coe is now residing in the city of Auburn; the Federal Way address is not happening.”
The mayor of Auburn was not happy with the decision, and stated that the city was never informed that Coe was living there until they received reports from media outlets.
Today, Backus announced on social media that Coe is no longer living in Auburn, and was moved to Federal Way.
“I want to update you with some news: Mr. Coe is no longer residing in Auburn,” Backus wrote. Through the quick, coordinated work of the Auburn Police Department, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe of Indians, and engaged members of our community, Mr. Coe has since been removed from his Auburn residence and is no longer living in our city.”
Backus also said that the relocation was not about “kicking the can down the road,” but the importance of transparent communication and planning in matters of public safety.
Her full statement:
As many of you know, last week I shared my deep frustration over how the release and relocation of Kevin Coe — known as the “South Hill Rapist” — was handled. Auburn was not notified in advance that Mr. Coe would be moved into our community, and like many of you, we learned of it through the media.
I want to update you with some news: Mr. Coe is no longer residing in Auburn. Through the quick, coordinated work of the Auburn Police Department, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe of Indians, and engaged members of our community, Mr. Coe has since been removed from his Auburn residence and is no longer living in our city. Their diligence and rapid action ensured that Auburn did not bear the burden of a decision on which we were never consulted. I am deeply grateful for their partnership and professionalism during what has been an unsettling and sensitive situation.
This outcome isn’t about “kicking the can down the road,” nor should it be. Mr. Coe, like any individual released under state supervision, must reside somewhere — and that reality underscores why communication, coordination, and thoughtful planning are so important. Every community deserves transparency and a voice when matters of public safety are at stake.
My commitment remains unchanged: Auburn will continue to demand accountability and coordination from state and county partners. Alongside our law enforcement agencies, regional partners, and residents, we’ll continue working to ensure Auburn remains a safe and informed community for everyone. – Nancy Backus, Mayor of Auburn This is a developing story. NonStop Local has reached out to Federal Way for comment.
