Justice For Tommy Le

REGARDING THE DEADLY FORCE SHOOTING OF STUDENT TOMMY LE

On June 14, 2017, at 12:04 AM, high school student Tommy Le was fatally shot by King County sheriff’s deputy Cesar Molina. Tommy Le was unarmed. There has been significant local and national interest in this case.

This page was created as a clearinghouse of sorts for legal documents, links, photos, and other relevant information for those wishing to learn more about this case.

Please check back often to see the most current updates. Current news and information relative to this case will appear at the top, followed by older links.

Justice....Finally!

Follow News Coverage of Justice for Tommy Le

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Other News

As fatal shootings spike in King County, community groups plead for urgency – KUOW.

King County’s police oversight chief faces ouster – KUOW.

Reporter Carolyn Bick’s investigation into the Deadly Force Homicide of Tommy Le:

No records exist of the review board interviews conducted with the deputies involved in Tommy Le’s shooting

Tommy Le may have been shot while facedown on roadway, may not have even had a pen, documents show

OLEO says new report finds KCSO went to “extraordinary measures” to justify shooting death of Tommy Le

OUTSIDE INVESTIGATION POINTS TO MAJOR ISSUES IN KCSO REVIEW

A new report issued by the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight has found serious gaps in an investigation conducted by the King County Sheriff’s Office into the killing of Tommy Le.

The OIR Report – the only complete investigation into the Tommy Le homicide, June, 2017 – September, 2020

Independent review slams King County Sheriff’s Office handling of Tommy Le killing – KIRO-TV(video)

Investigation into King County deputy’s killing of Tommy Le had ‘serious gaps,’ review finds – Seattle Times

New report on Tommy Le killing by King County deputy criticizes sheriff’s office – KOMO-TV

Tommy Le shooting investigation had “serious gaps”—Family lawyer contends KCSO cover-up – NW Asian Weekly

Outside review critical of King County Sheriff’s Office investigation – Q13 Fox

Report finds ‘serious gaps’ with investigation of Tommy Le’s shooting death by a King County deputy – KING-TV

Tommy Le’s family calls for action from King County Sheriff following outside review of 2017 shooting death – KUOW

Sheriff’s office is slammed over ‘serious, problematic gaps’ in investigation into death of Washington student – Daily Mail

King County sheriff’s handling of Tommy Le shooting lacked critical facts, review concludes – KNKX-FM

Sheriff’s office is slammed over ‘serious, problematic gaps’ in investigation into death of student – Intercontinental News

Tommy Le shooting investigation had “serious gaps” — Family lawyer contends KCSO cover-up – MyNorthwest

Independent review finds problems in King County Sheriff investigation of Tommy Le shooting – International Examiner.
Investigation into King County deputy’s killing of Tommy Le had ‘serious gaps,’ review finds – The Spokesman-Review

PRE TRIAL MOTIONS/DECISIONS AND ORDERS BY JUDGE ZILLY

Though Judge Zilly denied the “immunity” motion brought forth by the Deputy who shot and killed Tommy Le, the appeal is allowed. The trial is DELAYED pending Circuit Court decision.

Judge grants deputy’s appeal in shooting of Burien man carrying pen, delaying family’s civil-rights trial – Seattle Times.

King County deputy who shot Tommy Le seeks appeal of judge’s pre-trial decision. – Seattle Times

Tommy Le lawsuit to move forward: Judge denies King County’s motion to dismiss – NW Asian Weekly

LAWSUIT DOCUMENTS AND MEDIA LINKS

On September 7, 2017, a Tort Claim — also referred to as a Notice of Claim — was filed against then King County Sheriff Urquhart and the King County’s Department on behalf of the Le family, seeking justice for the wrongful death of their son, Tommy. Documents and press links regarding the announcement are below.

Le v. King Co. Second Amended Complaint – May 30, 2019

Medical Examiner’s Report

Autopsy: Deputies shot Tommy Le in the back – seattlepi.com

Tommy Le was shot twice in back, Asian Pacific Directors Coalition meets with King County Sheriff
– The International Examiner

Family of Tommy Le, shot in back by deputies, to sue County
– NW Asian Weekly

Family of 20-year-old man shot by deputy plan to file civil-rights claim against King County – Seattle Times

Family of Tommy Le, 20-Year-Old Shot by King County Deputy, Plans to Sue County – The Stranger.

Reclaiming the Narrative for Tommy Le – South Seattle Emerald

Mitzi Johanknecht, King County’s new sheriff, selects command staff, sets priorities for her new term – Seattle Times

INQUEST INFORMATION AND PETITION

On October 12, 2017, an inquest was requested
by King County Executive Dow Constantine.
KingCounty.gov – Shooting Inquest

Why Modern Medical Examiners Don’t Hold Inquests
SpokaneCounty.org Article

Seattle Weekly: Family of Tommy Le calls inquest process a whitewash
SeattleWeekly.com – Inquest Process a Whitewash

After no response from King County, the family files a lawsuit against the County and former King County Sheriff Urquhart.

Seattle PI
Seattle Times
NW Vietnamese News
KOMO AM (audio)
KOMO TV (video)
KING TV (video)
KIRO TV (video)

Le family attorney Jeffrey Campiche responds to Dow Constantine’s halting of all inquests pending committee review
KUOW

Monsignor Tuan Do and Father Trung (from Seattle University) express concern over a biased and unfair inquest in the Tommy Le shooting case
NW Vietnamese News

Ủy ban 6 người của Quận King giúp mang lại công lý cho gia đình Tommy Lê
A Group of 6 Will Bring Justice to The Family of Tommy Lê
NVnorthwest – Article

Vietnamese Press covers, and supports, changes to the Inquest process

Open Letter to King County Executive, Dow Constantine
Constantine-Inquest-Ltr-11-16-17.pdf

Campiche Arnold Declaration in Support of Le Family Request for Hearing
DEC-IN-SUPPORT-OF-AND-EXS-A-3-LE-FAMILY-REQUEST-FOR-HEARING-ON-SCOPE-OF-PARTICIPATION-11-17-17-NO.-4171Q9406-VIA-MSGR-AND-EMAIL.pdf

Le Family Request for Hearing
LE-FAMILY-REQUEST-FOR-HEARING-ON-SCOPE-OF-PARTICIPATION-11-17-17-NO.-4171Q9406-VIA-MSGR-AND-EMAIL.pdf

Le Family demands rights during Inquest Hearing
https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2017/11/19/25574600/tommy-les-family-demands-expanded-rights-during-the-county-inquest-hearing

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