KENT, Wash. (AP) — A murder trial in the first case brought against an officer since Washington state voters made it easier to prosecute police for using deadly force has been set for Feb. 28. Auburn Officer Jeffrey Nelson was charged with second-degree murder and first-degree assault in the shooting death of 26-year-old Jesse Sarey on May 31, 2019. The new law removed the requirement that prosecutors show the officer acted with malice. Nelson shot Sarey twice during an arrest for disorderly conduct. Nelson has pleaded not guilty. His previous lawyer has said the officer was acting in self-defense when he shot Sarey.
Police officer in Washington state heading to murder trial
