Kevin Coe, the infamous “South Hill Rapist,” is scheduled for an unconditional release hearing on October 2 in Spokane County. Now 78, Coe has been held at the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island since the end of his prison sentence for a string of rapes that terrorized Spokane in the 1970s and 1980s.
After serving 25 years behind bars, Coe was deemed a sexually violent predator and confined under civil commitment. But state officials now argue that Coe no longer meets the criteria for confinement. Evaluators have concluded that he does not pose the same level of threat, and both state experts and attorneys are reportedly in agreement that the case for commitment should be dismissed.
If the court approves his release, Coe is expected to be transferred to an adult family home in Federal Way. He would be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life but would live without state supervision. The facility has reportedly accepted him, prompting local officials to express serious concern about community safety.
Lawmakers from both parties have criticized the process, calling for stronger public notification laws and longer lead times before the release of individuals classified as sexually violent predators. Some officials are pushing for legislation that would require a minimum of 30 to 180 days of public notice prior to any release of high-risk offenders.
Critics also argue that Coe’s age and declining physical condition should not overshadow the severity of his past crimes. Victims’ advocates have warned that the risk to vulnerable populations remains, even if the offender appears physically weakened.
Unless the court intervenes at the hearing, Coe could be released just 24 hours after the judge’s ruling.
