SPOKANE, Wash - It was supposed to be a basic pre-trial hearing Friday, but the judge's demeanor quickly indicated things were not moving smoothly towards the upcoming release of notorious Spokane rapist Kevin Coe.

Coe, known as the 'South Hill Rapist' for attacks on women in the 1970s and 1980s, has spent the last 17 years at the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island.

Before that, he served 25 years in prison.

Coe, now 78, has asked for his release and wants to move into an adult care facility in Spanaway, Washington. A trial on the matter is set to start October 2 in Spokane.

An expert for the State of Washington evaluated Coe and said he no longer meets the criteria as a sexually violent predator.

The state plans to dismiss its petition to keep him at the SCC, but until that d

See Full Page