INQUEST 517IQ9301
King County is one of the few governments in the nation that have an inquest process. After Charleena Lyles was killed, the County Executive Dow Constantine ordered an inquest. By that time, this firm represented the Estate, and we opposed the process. Our position was that it was biased and unfair. Constantine then used his powers to amend the inquest process. The City and police union filed suit to stop the changes. This ultimately resulted in appeal, and then in late 2021, the Court held that the changes were appropriate.
The Lyles case was the second inquest to be held under the new rules. Retired superior and court of appeals Judge Stephen Spearman presided as Inquest Administrator. Claire Thornton, the Inquest Attorney. Matt Anderson the second Inquest Attorney. The Officers were represented through their union by Ted Buck and Karen Cobb. The City was represented by its attorneys Ghazal Sharif and Rebecca Widen.
The inquest began on June 28, 2022, and concluded on July 6th with the jury’s verdict consisting of answers to 123 Interrogatories.