OLYMPIA, WA- The Kevin Coe case has captivated the Spokane area for almost 40+ years, Coe who is known as “The South Hill Rapist,” was released today after the State determined they did not have the evidence to continue holding him at McNeil Island.
Lawmakers in Olympia say from a legislative standpoint, there is something that can be learned and done as result of this.
State Senator Mark Schoesler was living in Spokane at the time of the rapes, he now represents the Ritzville area: and says he remembers the time well and the terror it caused.
“The victims came to me and my office,” Schoesler said, “for someone who never excepted responsibility or treatment, to get to live out to live out their life comfortably doesn’t seem right.”
Schoesler says there are legal parameters through the legislature—that could change the law that could prevent something like this from ever happening again.
“I have reached out to Senator Marcus Riccelli, and said he can be the prime sponsor, and I could be the cosponsor,” Schoesler said, “this is a regional issue not a partisan issue.”
Schoesler says he asked state attorneys to look for a path forward, that would examine the criteria under the law for release but also factor in, treatment and accepted responsibility.
He says it’s a narrow path forward and these are narrow cases – but it would be respectful for the victims.
NonStop Local reached out to Senator Marcus Riccelli who redirected us to a statement made earlier this month saying:
“Kevin Coe is right where he belongs. The news of his potential release is incredibly concerning, especially for the victims and their families who are still dealing with the trauma from the horrible pain and suffering he inflicted on innocent women in the Spokane community several decades ago. I will continue to strongly support law enforcement and policies that protect people from the kind of pain our community endured from Coe’s crimes.”
Senator Marcus Riccelli, 3rd Legislative District – Spokane
Schoesler said enclosing the states argument that he’s old and in poor health it’s not one that works for him– and said, he encouraged people to reach out to the governor’s office to let them know if they had frustrations with the release.
