Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

Kevin Coe, Known as ‘South Hill Rapist,’ Dies at 78

Kevin Coe was released due to severe health issues and deemed unlikely to reoffend by state psychologists before his death shortly after moving to group homes.

  • On Wednesday morning, Federal Way Police Department and fire personnel responded to a medical emergency at an adult family home where Fred `Kevin` Coe was pronounced dead, likely from natural causes.
  • A Spokane County judge ordered his release on Oct. 2 after DSHS psychologists cited Coe's deteriorating health and limited mobility, determining he was unlikely to reoffend.
  • Court records show Coe was convicted in the early 1980s but several convictions were overturned due to hypnosis, and authorities believe he committed 30 to 40 rapes in Spokane's South Hill in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
  • Public outcry pushed Coe’s relocation to Auburn and later back to Federal Way amid neighbor protests over his final address about 500 feet from Brigadoon Elementary School.
  • The civil-commitment history shows former Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna petitioned to civilly commit Coe in 2006, and representatives said psychologists determined he no longer met criteria.
Insights by Ground AI

17 Articles

Auburn ReporterAuburn Reporter
Reposted by
Federal Way MirrorFederal Way Mirror
Center

‘South Hill rapist’ residing in Federal Way dies

Convicted rapist Kevin Coe dies at age 78.

·Auburn, United States
Read Full Article
Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 56% of the sources are Center
56% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

KMPH broke the news in on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal