Jury Rules Police Action Justified in 2019 Shooting | Seattle News

After seven years of investigation, a King County jury has ruled that Seattle police officers acted lawfully when they fatally shot 31-year-old Ryan Smith in May 2019 — a decision that closes a long-running inquest and sparks renewed debate over police use of force, mental health, and accountability. The shooting followed a 911 call reporting domestic violence; bodycam footage showed Smith wielding a knife toward officers, prompting the deadly response. Smith’s mother, Rose Johnson, emphasized his struggles with depression and addiction, urging authorities to prioritize de-escalation. The jury’s verdict, delivered after reviewing all evidence, concluded the officers’ actions were justified — a final, sobering chapter in a case that continues to resonate in communities across the nation. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/2cdfd4765fc53240