2018 Redmond, Washington Officer Involved Shooting Inquest Findings Released

The inquest findings regarding the 2018 officer-involved shooting of Marcelo Castellano were released on December 13, 2023, revealing conflicting conclusions between the jury and an independent investigation. On June 14, 2018, officers attempted to arrest Castellano, who, while in his vehicle, pointed a gun at them, resulting in the officers discharging their weapons. The independent investigation found that the use of force was justified under Washington law, while the jury's inquest erroneously determined that the officers did not adhere to use-of-force guidelines. Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe voiced concerns about the inquest's limitations, which he believes led to these inconsistencies. He noted that the officers acted in accordance with their training and departmental policies.

This incident has reignited discussions about police accountability and the effectiveness of inquest processes in providing comprehensive evaluations of such events. The importance of clear and transparent guidelines in police actions is underscored by this case. The community continues to seek clarity and justice in police-related incidents, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations.