Attorney General Bob Ferguson has filed a petition in Yakima County Superior Court to prevent the release of Michael Murr, a convicted sex offender. The petition seeks to civilly commit Murr to McNeil Island, arguing that he is mentally ill and poses a danger to the community.
Murr, 34, was convicted in 2010 for first-degree child molestation in Yakima County and received a 45-day sentence followed by a Special Sex Offender Sentencing Alternative for over five years. In 2019, he faced charges of second-degree attempted child molestation, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to five years in prison. His release is scheduled for November 25.
The Attorney General’s Office contends that Murr should be committed due to his mental state and potential threat. A probable cause hearing is set for November 25 to decide if Murr will be confined at McNeil Island until trial.
Prosecutors must prove their case in court with a unanimous jury verdict required for continued detention as a sexually violent predator. Assistant Attorney General Nathan Olson, along with paralegals Rebecca Hendrickson, Sarah Shaw, and Lissa Treadway, will represent the state.
Washington's law on sexually violent predators allows civil commitment petitions for offenders likely to commit further acts due to mental abnormalities or personality disorders. This law was first enacted in Washington in 1990.
Currently, there are 181 individuals classified as sexually violent predators within Washington's Special Commitment Program.
The Attorney General’s Office serves as Washington's largest law firm providing legal representation across various state entities and prosecuting cases including those involving sexually violent predators.