SPOKANE, Wash. – State Senator Mark Schoesler, who lived in Spokane during the time of Kevin Coe’s crimes, expressed his concerns about Coe’s release. Schoesler recalled the terror the community felt and questioned the current legal framework.
Schoesler emphasized the need for accountability and treatment in cases like Coe’s.
“I’ve reached out to Senator Riccelli and he could be the prime sponsor and I could be the co-sponsor or vice-versa. This is a regional issue, not a partisan issue,” Schoesler said. “I think we looked for a very narrow exemption to the release because the courts have ruled that you can’t hold them for punishment, only for treatment. I think the Coe case is a narrow example of someone who rejected treatment, rejected responsibility, guilt, never apologized.”
State Senator Marcus Riccelli redirected inquiries to a previous statement.
“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,” he said.
Riccelli, however, did express support for Coe remaining at McNeil Island and found his release concerning.
Schoesler disagreed with the argument that Coe’s age and health should influence the decision. He encouraged residents to express their concerns to the governor’s office regarding Coe’s release.
