Franklin County approves $35,000 to fund coroner’s inquest

PASCO, Wash. – The Franklin County commissioners have approved a $35,000 supplemental budget request to hire a retired Seattle judge to present evidence in a coroner’s inquest into the death of Antonio Zambrano-Montes.

Retired King County Superior Judge Michael Fox will present evidence during Coroner Dan Blasdel’s inquest, expected to begin Dec. 12 in Pasco.

The Tri-City Herald reported the 35-year-old Zambrano-Montes died after being shot multiple times by three Pasco police officers on Feb. 10, 2015. The Mexican national was high on meth and throwing rocks at officers. His death was captured on video that went viral and sparked protests.

Federal and local prosecutors have declined to charge the officers, saying the evidence did not support convictions.

The inquest jury may make recommendations to prosecutors, but its decisions are advisory only.