KING COUNTY, Wash. — The murder trial for Auburn police officer Jeffrey Nelson ended Thursday with a judge handing down a sentence of 16 years and eight months.
The 46-year-old Nelson was convicted last June for the murder of 26-year-old Jesse Sarey, who was shot twice by Nelson during an attempted arrest outside an Auburn grocery store in 2019.
Sarey’s family delivered emotional statements before sentencing.
“My brother was a good kid, he didn’t deserve that,” said Matthew Sarey, Jesse’s brother.
During a fight, Nelson shot Sarey in the torso, then after his gun jammed, he shot Sarey again in the head.
During the trial, defense attorneys argued Nelson was acting in self-defense, believing Sarey, who was homeless, was going to stab him.
But the jury disagreed.
“Jeff Nelson has shown no remorse for ending Jesse’s life, for the criminally brazen way he handled policing,” said Amelia Dillard, Sarey’s foster sister.
Judge Nicole Phelps asked Nelson if he’d like to speak, but he declined. Nelson’s wife, Natalie, did make a statement.
“Jeff wishes things had turned out differently. When he fired those shots, it’s because he was sure his life was in danger. Jeff and I are very sorry for the loss suffered by the Sarey family,” she said.
The judge said the 11-year Auburn police officer would never again have a badge and gun, sentencing him to 16 years and 8 months.
“Jeff Nelson’s sentence needs to serve both as punishment for his crimes and as a message to other officers his badge will no longer serve to protect him. He cannot play judge, jury and executioner,” said Dillard.
Nelson is the first officer to ever be charged with murder and assault under voter-approved Initiative 940, which makes it easier to prosecute police for using deadly force.
“He (Jesse) really was loved and was not forgotten and that he represents for the State of Washington so much hope and opportunities – that other police officers out there be really mindful about what they do when they encounter people out there,” said Elaine Simons, Sarey’s foster mom.