How inquests work

WHENEVER A DEATH involves a law enforcement officer within King County, an inquest can be ordered by the county executive following a review and recommendation from the prosecuting attorney. A district court judge presides, able to limit the scope of the inquest, while the prosecutor’s office presents evidence—but does not cross-examine witnesses. The case is heard by a six-person inquest jury selected from the King County District court pool. They can submit written questions to the court. Before each proceeding, the jury is instructed, “You have been impaneled as members of a coroner’s jury in this inquest. This is not a trial. The purpose of the inquest is to provide a public inquiry into the causes and circumstances surrounding the death of [decedent]. Your role will be to hear the evidence and render findings according to instructions given to you at the close of the proceedings.”

Attorneys representing the officers and victim’s families cannot present testimony or evidence and are allowed only limited cross-examination; no opening and closing statements are permitted. The jury’s findings are forwarded to the executive and given back to the prosecutor. The prosecutor then decides if criminal charges are warranted.

Typical inquest questions

Questions are posed by the court; the jury then meets after testimony to supply the “yes” or “no” answers.” These are from the Michael Ealy case last March:

Did Ealy undo the strap securing his chest to the stretcher, stand up, and then lunge at attendant Hill in the backseat of the ambulance? (Yes.)

Were Ealy’s actions provoked by Hill? (No.)

Did Ealy refuse to get back on the gurney? (Yes.)

Did Ealy lunge from the ambulance onto officer McLaughlin? (Yes.)

Did Hill, attendant Munsey, and officers Traverso and McLaughlin attempt to restrain Ealy outside the ambulance? (Yes.)

Did the restraint result in neck or chest compression to Ealy? (Yes.)

Was acute cocaine intoxication a cause of death? (Yes.)

Was cardiovascular disease a cause of death? (Yes.)

Did neck and chest compressions alone cause Ealy’s death? (No.)

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