Inquest into 2020 Andrea Churna Death Concludes

The King County Inquest into Andrea Churna's death concluded yesterday, revealing findings that differ from the King County Prosecutor's Office, which opted not to pursue criminal charges. This inquest follows multiple independent reviews, including investigations by the King County Independent Force Investigations Team and the State's Office of Independent Investigations. The city settled the family's claim in 2022, yet officials recognize that these resolutions cannot alleviate the community's grief. In response to the incident, the Redmond Police Department has implemented significant changes, including enhanced crisis intervention training and updated de-escalation protocols for officers. These reforms aim to prevent similar tragedies in the future and ensure officers are equipped to preserve life.

The city emphasizes its commitment to full cooperation with ongoing investigations into the case. Officials plan to provide updates as the State's Office of Independent Investigations continues its review. The community's pain from the tragedy remains a priority for city leaders as they advocate for improved police practices.