Kevin Coe, the convicted rapist known as Spokane’s “South Hill Rapist,” could be released from state custody following an unconditional release hearing scheduled for October 2nd after more than 40 years of incarceration and civil commitment.
Both defence attorneys and the Washington Attorney General’s Office have agreed to the hearing, with state forensic evaluators concluding that Coe, now 78, no longer meets legal criteria for civil commitment as a sexually violent predator.
Coe was arrested in 1981 and initially convicted on four counts of first-degree rape. Those convictions were partially overturned due to concerns about hypnosis used during victim testimony, raising questions about evidence reliability. A 1985 retrial resulted in three convictions, though two were later overturned by the state Supreme Court, leaving one conviction standing.
Despite the limited convictions, Coe remains linked to at least 43 rapes in the Spokane area between 1978 and 1981. When his prison sentence neared completion in 2006, the state successfully petitioned for civil commitment, with a Spokane County jury affirming his designation as a sexually violent predator in 2008.
This civil commitment allowed indefinite detention at the Special Commitment Centre on McNeil Island, designed for individuals considered too dangerous for release despite completing criminal sentences. The facility represents Washington’s approach to managing sex offenders who pose continued public safety risks.
According to a Department of Social and Health Services email to lawmakers, both the department’s forensic evaluator and the state’s expert have concluded “to a reasonable degree of psychological certainty” that Coe no longer meets civil commitment criteria. The email indicates parties agree the case should be dismissed, making release “highly likely.”
The potential release has drawn strong opposition from legislators. State Senator Mark Schoesler described Coe as “one of the most dangerous and infamous criminals in our state’s history,” expressing disbelief that the state would consider release.
If approved, Coe could be transferred within 24 hours to a licensed adult family home in the 30th Legislative District. This rapid transition timeline raises questions about community preparation and ongoing supervision arrangements for someone with his criminal history.
The case highlights tensions between public safety concerns and legal requirements for civil commitment. Mental health professionals must evaluate whether individuals continue to pose risks based on current psychological assessments rather than historical crimes.
Law enforcement agencies have been notified of the potential release, and victims enrolled in the state’s notification programme are expected to receive alerts. The Department of Social and Health Services declined further comment, citing pending litigation.
The Spokane County Superior Court hearing at 9 a.m. on October 2nd will determine whether one of Washington’s most notorious criminals returns to the community after four decades in state custody.
