CRIME WATCH: West Seattle teen jailed, charged with rape

6:05 PM:A West Seattle 18-year-old was booked into jail this afternoon, five days after being charged with second-degree rape in what prosecutors call a “tragic sexual assault.” Jackson U. Sullivan is accused of raping a 16-year-old girl “who was intoxicated to the point of loss of motor functions … (during) what should have been an enjoyable high school party” last November. Both were West Seattle High School students at the time, according to the charging documents, but did not have more than a passing acquaintance.

The party was at another student’s house. Prosecutors wrote, “The victim’s last memory at the party was playing beer pong with the defendant and two of (his) friends,” before he “escorted (her) out of the party” and to his nearby van. That’s where her friends later found the victim – partially clothed and unable to talk – with the suspect. The day after the incident, after telling a parent about it, the victim was taken to a hospital, and police were called. She told detectives that she had two drinks at the party before Sullivan gave her a drink that led to her “blacking out.” The charging documents are dated last Friday and say Sullivan was arrested April 9th, but the King County Jail Register says he was booked less than two hours ago. His bail is set at $350,000; prosecutors asked for that amount, noting that other allegations of sexual assault came to light during the investigation “that will likely result in future charges.”

(This charge was first reported by KIRO TV; thanks to the many readers who pointed this out to us so we could follow up and obtain the documents.)

LATE-NIGHT UPDATE: As noted in comments, Sullivan posted bond and left jail four hours after being booked, according to the KCJ Register.

140 Replies to "CRIME WATCH: West Seattle teen jailed, charged with rape"

  • Cycleman April 29, 2020 (6:18 pm)

    It’s so unfortunate the choices people make sometimes. 

    • WestSeattleDad May 11, 2020 (2:13 am)

      #freejackson 

      • Reality Chick May 12, 2020 (9:13 am)

        You have posted this twice on this thread. If you truly believe he should be free, put your name out there and speak “your truth.” Hiding behind hashtags is pathetic. 

  • Js April 29, 2020 (6:55 pm)

    Is there a photo? Since he is probably released? 

    • WSB April 29, 2020 (7:29 pm)

      He was just booked into jail a few hours ago. That aside, there won’t be a photo, as the only circumstance in which they are available is if someone has a state prison record, not the case here.

      • M April 29, 2020 (9:04 pm)

        Google image search. And King County register says he was released around 8:30pm

        • WSB April 29, 2020 (10:48 pm)

          Thanks, I haven’t had a chance to check, had to cover an unrelated late-evening meeting but indeed the register says bond was posted and he was released st 8:32 pm. Will update above.

        • Harper April 30, 2020 (7:58 am)

          Google image search shows two different people. Careful.  

          • M April 30, 2020 (11:15 pm)

            Two that go to West Seattle High School?

    • Admiral Mom April 29, 2020 (7:44 pm)

      He WILL be released. Bail is $350,000 and the way I understand it you put down 10% to be released.We do not know what will ultimately happen and if Mr Sullivan will end up in prison. But the victim (posibly victimS) will live with the trauma for a long time. #metoo

      • jonn April 29, 2020 (9:31 pm)

        That 10% is a fee and is non-refunded.

        • Greg May 7, 2020 (8:39 am)

          Wow, that’s a huge expense!    

  • Cori Roed April 29, 2020 (7:13 pm)

    I am so sad for all parties. I’ve known the defendant since 6 months old. Please be kind in your comments.

    • Admiral Mom April 29, 2020 (7:49 pm)

      Cori, I do not know the victim but my heart goes out to her, first and foremost.

      • Thumper April 29, 2020 (10:32 pm)

        Is your capacity for compassion so limited it can extend to only one person?  Certainly the victim deserves all the support she needs.  I don’t see anyone saying otherwise.  It’s possible to acknowledge that two lives were harmed irreparably without diminishing that support.  To say nothing of the families and friends on both sides.I think the point here is if you do not have a kind comment just don’t make one.  Nobody is here apologizing for a rapist.  Similarly no good is done by making nasty comments.  Given WSB commenters general bloodlust for harsh punishment I think it’s a reasonable ask on Cori’s part.

        • Mark47n April 30, 2020 (4:31 am)

          Bollocks! This young man allegedly drugged and raped a young woman. He caused irreparable damage that will affect her own life to satisfy his own wants. He violated her rights. He did  not make a ‘mistake’ which is so often heard as a defense.So, no, my compassion does not tend to extend to perpetrators who harm others for their own purposes. 

        • Carrie April 30, 2020 (7:14 am)

          Interesting use of passive voice there. 

    • Hannah G. April 29, 2020 (7:57 pm)

      I don’t know why kind comments for someone who apparently drugged and raped a young woman would be a priority.  If you’ve known the accused since he was small, perhaps you can provide some insight into what might have been done differently in the course of his life so that this young man’s instinct would have been to aid and protect a young woman in a compromised state, as opposed to (allegedly) taking advantage of her.

      • Thumper April 29, 2020 (10:41 pm)

        Great, then don’t make any comment.  Nobody is asking you to praise a rapist.  Just don’t be a jerk.

      • Pissed Off April 29, 2020 (11:45 pm)

        How dare you drag his family into this. These actions, as horrific as they are, are 100% only the result of choices made by him. Do not bring his family, who I can only imagine are going through so much right now, into this. It’s very disrespectful that you would think to project his actions onto them. His actions shouldn’t be cause to blame his family members, who are not at fault for this incident, and are wonderful people. You can’t blame them for one individuals choices. They are apart of our West Seattle community too, and deserve respect during this time. Shame on you. 

        • Carrie April 30, 2020 (7:15 am)

          The poster didn’t mention his family. 

        • Frog April 30, 2020 (8:37 am)

          Sorry pal, the community has every right, and great urgency to ask more questions, not just about the family but teachers, coaches, and peers.  Was there a rape sub-culture going on at WHSH?  Was anyone or everyone enabling or covering up for the alleged perp?  If he used a date rape drug (not for sure, but possibly suggested by the narrative), where are WHSH students getting date rape drugs, and how much is floating around?  Sometimes it might be true that it was 100% the choices of the one individual, but most of the time there was more going on.  Rights of victims take priority over everything else, and protecting future potential victims requires that we ask hard questions about the context.

          • NW Native May 12, 2020 (9:37 pm)

            Social host liability for the parents who host these events that bad things happen at in Washington. Who on earth is allowing their kids to throw alcohol fueled parties for high school students? It sounds like more charges will follow, that this is his pattern. Glad the victim’s friends found her and rescued her. And it is lucky she was so incapacitated to hold him accountable, the victim in Yarrow Point wasn’t incapacitated enough despite abrasions and bruises for the prosecutors to prosecute. 

        • Dragonfly1 April 30, 2020 (8:49 am)

          Although there are occasional outliers. These actions are often a result of childhood abuse, trauma, sexual abuse, or childhood access to internet porn. This victimizer lacks empathy.  They may be narcissistic and have developed a personality disorder. There are two victims here. But, it is not fair to equate the two, as one made a calculated choice to victimize another person knowing it was wrong. 

          • NotOnHolden April 30, 2020 (7:10 pm)

            I’m sorry but porn is not to blame for this.  There is a ton of porn that can create unhealthy expectations but just no.  And trauma and abuse don’t make people date rapists.  Maybe being great at the sports ball and never being told no made this okay?  There is a great deal of privilege involved in even being able to be what this “kid” is and there are NOT 2 victims here.  We have 1 perpetrator that  is alleged and charged with preying on his peers.  No doubt a personality disorder makes one think it’s okay and they’re entitled to do these things, but not all personality disorders are rooted in trauma.

    • Shufflerunner April 29, 2020 (8:00 pm)

      I’m not sure that is a fair request considering they are accused of drugging and raping a minor.

      • RyanS April 29, 2020 (8:37 pm)

        Kind comments? About a rapist? Seriously?! The only kind thing I have to say is that the prosecutor actually did their job. Many victims will never see this kind of justice. My heart is broken for this young woman and her family. It’s a horrible, life-shattering thing to go through. I hope this rapist sees significant jail time. 

      • CAM April 29, 2020 (9:07 pm)

        I’m not sure I understand your point. You accurately point out the person is accused and has not been convicted but also seem to think it would be un”fair” to not behave as if he already was convicted? Why should it be considered a lack of fairness to withhold judgment until the case is settled? Isn’t that pretty much the opposite of the definition? 

      • Dunwick April 29, 2020 (9:35 pm)

        It doesn’t say defendant drugged the victim does it? I didn’t read that. 

        • Matt P April 29, 2020 (9:50 pm)

          Implied by he gave her a drink and then she blacked out.

        • M April 29, 2020 (11:06 pm)

          Dunwick, I think Shufflerunner is referring to this: “ She told detectives that she had two drinks at the party before Sullivan gave her a drink that led to her “blacking out.” 

    • GatewoodMom April 30, 2020 (9:28 am)

      Cori, you may not realize this but your family has also known 2 of Jackson’s other victims since they were kids. 

      • Bryan Freeman May 13, 2020 (4:47 am)

        Relax, this will come up again when he gets his Supreme Court nomination.

  • Harper April 29, 2020 (7:43 pm)

    A young woman is raped and your priority is to request kindness for the accused of multiple sexual assaults? Please just stay away from the comments with this. 

    • Thumper April 29, 2020 (10:42 pm)

      The request was to be kind in our comments.  Not to be kind to a rapist.  There’s a big difference.

      • Jenny April 30, 2020 (6:50 am)

        Please clarify: What “kind” comments do you expect us to write about rape? This isn’t a crime that just happens–a person proactively decides to physically violate someone vulnerable, causing years if not a lifetime of trauma. Minimizing rape perpetuates it.

      • Harper April 30, 2020 (7:47 am)

        A big difference is extending compassion and support for the young woman — just as you should your daughter, sister, mother or friend should this happen to them.A priority request to “be kind in the comments” after noting you’ve know the defendant for years is a loaded request in this instance. It has nothing to do with being kind – it’s a request to silence and protect.  

  • Curtis April 29, 2020 (7:45 pm)

    This is truly sad for everyone Involved and their families.  They all deserve some space to get through this.I’ve spent time with the defendant, and all I can say is that he was always a respectful and good natured boy.

    • That doesn’t change anything April 29, 2020 (9:13 pm)

      Just because someone is “good natured” doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of raping someone. 

      • heyakli April 30, 2020 (9:37 am)

        Nobody is always a “good” person. Good people do bad things all the time. Bad people do good things sometimes.  And goodness is relative.I hope this guy gets what he deserves, and the victim is able to heal and move forward.

    • Steeler45 April 29, 2020 (9:18 pm)

      Curtis , I’m sure this is very hard on you and all those close to the defendant . In all due respect please do not gloss over what is a tremendous tragedy for this young woman ( and others ?)This woman was half unconscious and he took advantage of that , the kind natured part in this instance escapes me . 

      • Curtis April 29, 2020 (11:06 pm)

        I have not glossed over anything.   I am saying everyone related to this event is going through a lot of turmoil right now.  Pitchfork Justice is ill advised in any such situation.  Let’s hope the court system gets to the truth of the matter and may  justice be served swiftly and blindly for the benefit of all.

        • Steeler45 April 30, 2020 (3:04 pm)

          Curtis ,once again I’m sure u r hurting .heh this kid in your world was wonderful . heres the problem with your words .you ask for sympathy for him .why ???Have you read what happenedthis is the most vile act of abuse .i have boys . I talk to them often about their actions .but never and I repeat never would I need to say heh if a girl Is half unconscious and covered in vomit that’s a sign to not rape her .indeed I would hope they would go to her aid .lets show kindness to all those that helped this victim. Let’s applaud this girls bravery .I hope he gets what he deserves and I hope it sends a very loud and clear message that this toxic culture will not be tolerated . 

    • Anne April 29, 2020 (10:49 pm)

      Those who are always respectful and good natured do not rape girls, and the only space he deserves is space in a jail cell.

    • Seriously? April 30, 2020 (9:46 am)

      Ted Bundy was also charming. It didnt make him any less of a criminal. Many, many raspists, psychopaths and sociopaths are also what you’d call charming.  People need to get the idea that a criminal only acts or appears one way out of their minds.  

      • WS April 30, 2020 (7:07 pm)

        I totally get what you’re saying but I don’t think that it is anyones job to psychologically diagnose a person unless they are their therapist.

        • Seriously? April 30, 2020 (10:19 pm)

          I’m not diagnosing anyone. I’m making a point. I don’t personally care what this person’s diagnosis may be. Rape culture in America is extremely screwed.  Let’s look to events at both Skyline and Eastside Catholic, in the very recent past to see how the blame is always placed on the victim of a sexual assault, especially high school aged victims. I graduated in 1995 from Eastlake and couldn’t begin to tell you how many girls were raped every weekend.  The “boys will be boys” mentality is alive and well in Seattle. If you haven’t been on the receiving end of a sexual assault them you have no idea what kind of trauma is involved.    Someone who knows the assailant coming on here and telling people to be kind in their comments because they’ve known the accused since he was 6 months old or they know him and he’s charming is blatant BS.I have an immediate family member who did some incredibly wrong things is his life. I never said “oh but one time when he was 6 hes was a good boy”   is it hard to accept someone you’ve know /loved in the past is a bad person? It may be for some. However it DOES NOT change the fact they’re a crap person.

  • bolo April 29, 2020 (8:10 pm)

    I will try to be kind but compare this guy’s treatment to the treatment of Brett Kavanaugh or even Brock Turner.

  • Steeler45 April 29, 2020 (8:16 pm)

    What a courageous young woman .You had  the courage to seek help and report this . Many stand with you , I am sorry for your experience and I hope the law prevails here and justice is served. I am afraid the defendant    deserves  as much kindness as he showed his victim . 

  • SS April 29, 2020 (8:30 pm)

    Hey West Seattle Blog I am here advising you that you need to take this post down immediately. I am in close contact with the main survivor along with the other four girls and the 16 year old who the stories revolve around was not aware of Kiro, and now the West Seattle Blog, publishing such personal insight to the case. Out of respect for those involved and having to deal with all the eyes on them due to the press leak take this down out of the goodness of your heart for the families involved because reading such personal details to the case like this are a lot to deal with on to of recovering from the attacks and the court case.  Feel free to post once the case is settled and closure has been made but until then this can not be up. If you truly care about the people of the West Seattle community you will take this down and do what is right. This is not okay. 

    • Alki resident April 29, 2020 (8:45 pm)

      I don’t agree. There may be other victims afraid to say anything. Maybe seeing this story will help them report it and come forward to add charges. There’s usually never just one victim. 

      • Jethro Marx April 30, 2020 (9:34 am)

        “Usually” never applies to things that never occur.

    • JV April 29, 2020 (8:47 pm)

      It’s news that is important to our community. He was named since he is an adult, the victim’s name was not. This is public record and should be reported on.

    • WSB April 29, 2020 (8:50 pm)

      These are criminal charges filed by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in the name of the citizens of the state of Washington, public record like every other criminal-charges case on which we’ve reported, and have included no other names nor identifying factors beyond the defendant.

    • nosjd April 29, 2020 (8:53 pm)

      So if  WSB cares about West Seattle they will hide reports of rape? Got it.

    • Bill April 29, 2020 (9:23 pm)

      Then put your real and identifiable name on that request. The hard part is forthcoming. Real incarceration and real prosecution require real names. That fact sucks beyond the whatever, but it’s all we got to be able to prosecute something that should have never happened in the first place. Sorry.

    • Michelle April 29, 2020 (9:24 pm)

      SS…in your effort to request this article be taken down you have actually provided more information on the case than was identified by WSB. Neither KIRO nor WSB mentioned there being 4 other potential victims. While this is absolutely awful for all the victims, your request for censorship is not appropriate. As others have stated, there may be others who may come forward; considering you mentioned 4 other victims, there is a strong possibility there are more. No one has named the victim, only the defendant. I’m genuinely sorry for the 16yo girl, this cannot be easy. However, this is important news for our community.

    • Hannah Gordon April 29, 2020 (9:29 pm)

      SS:  Honestly?! Who do you think you are that you get to arbitrarily censor the news because you have a personal connection to the perpetrator and you have an interest in protecting his reputation?!  This is a completely legit news story published by professional journalists exercising sound editorial judgment. It seems to me that the best way to protect one’s reputation is to not commit crime. Trying to blame journalists for reporting the news is despicable. Your friend will get his day in court. In the meantime, that he was arrested and charged with this hideous crime is news. Deal with it.

      • WR April 29, 2020 (11:09 pm)

        I thought SS knew the victims not the alleged perpetrator. 

      • Curtis April 29, 2020 (11:15 pm)

        You didn’t read before pulling out your pitchfork… SS is aquatinted with the alleged victim(s), not the alleged perpetrator.  Otherwise I totally agree the news has a duty to report, not obscure.

      • Daphneadora April 29, 2020 (11:29 pm)

        What SS actually wrote was that they know the multiple victims and are concerned about how hard the publicity will be for the girls. I don’t agree with SS’s point, but I think SS is coming from a caring place. 

      • CAM April 30, 2020 (12:07 am)

        Hannah, I believe you may have misread the original post you are responding to. 

    • Admiral Mom April 29, 2020 (9:36 pm)

      SS, How is this “press leak”? It’s public records. And there might be more victims. I do not know any of the survivors and my heart goes out to all these girls. I have a 16 year old daughter at WSHS and I can only imagine what these families have gone through. I trust WSB does care about our community and has always reported with the highest professionalism and ethics. Sexual assault and rape are not pretty subjects but we must talk about it and educate our kids about consent, drugs, alcohol and everything that will help them be safe.

    • WTF April 30, 2020 (1:23 am)

      You have some pretty big ones to “advise” a media outlet to remove known public record! Wow. Just wow.

      • xman April 30, 2020 (8:51 am)

        The products of affluenza… 

    • SO April 30, 2020 (7:31 am)

      WSB has the full power of the First Amendment behind it. No need to censor any relevant information in our community.  These crime watch pieces I find very helpful. I’m reminded that even though WS is a great place to live criminals exist everywhere and it’s important to be on guard in case you have to protect yourself in a situation. If it happens in WS I want to know about it. 

  • Only me April 29, 2020 (8:46 pm)

    I think the WSB does care about the community which is why they posted the story. It doesn’t just effect the parties involved but the whole community as he has been released into it. 

    • WSHS Student April 29, 2020 (9:04 pm)

      I appreciate the blog reporting about this because I’m a student at WSHS and I would like to know what’s going in at my school because I generally feel like we don’t always know what’s going on at our school. Thanks WS Blog 

  • Rico April 29, 2020 (8:58 pm)

    I concur with April.   While technically the accused is an adult, these are kids.   The don’t need this, nor do their families.     

    • past wshs student April 30, 2020 (12:27 am)

      It’s not a matter of whether they need it or not, they are all involved and this is what needs to be brought to people’s attentions. it is a devastating situation, but one that cannot be shied away in any regards.

    • Richard Maloney April 30, 2020 (5:25 am)

      Strongly disagree. This is important information. The alleged crime is serious. The notion that the events be concealed is repugnant.

  • Haha April 29, 2020 (9:01 pm)

    How long is Jackson booked for?

  • Junction Joe April 29, 2020 (9:33 pm)

    What an incredibly sad story.  Horrific. 
    What gives me hope is knowing that two young West Seattle High School boys
    searched for this young lady, stepped in, and rescued her.  You two young men should be proud of yourselves
    for your brave actions. 

  • daisyg April 29, 2020 (9:44 pm)

    @curtis “space to get through this?” His victims lives have been changed forever. It will always be with them. It cannot be erased from their memory by “getting through it.” As for him being a “respectful and good natured boy”. Sexual assault is violence against women. It is not driven by whether a person is nice or good natured.

  • CitizenCain April 29, 2020 (9:49 pm)

    Where were the chaperones?Is there a civil suit filed against the owners of the property where the underage drinking took place?Maybe it’s a sign that as a culture we should tone down the hyer sexualization, violence, and alcohol abuse.  The consequences are are not cool.

  • ScubaFrog April 29, 2020 (9:51 pm)

    I hope the girl gets the physical help and therapy she wants and needs to continue on her road to prosperity in every facet.  How I wish that didn’t happen to her.I’ll have some very choice words for the suspect if he’s convicted.  I don’t think it’s fair to comment negatively on a suspect until America’s legal process is observed in its entirety.  

  • WestSeattleDad April 29, 2020 (10:27 pm)

    #freejackson

    • WSHS Student April 30, 2020 (3:21 pm)

      Why?

    • WSHS student April 30, 2020 (7:05 pm)

      Wow you’re disgusting. There is so much evidence that goes to show he is without a doubt guilty. It’s even more saddening knowing your a father a grown adult most likely. why why WHY would you want a rapist freed?

    • Fijiwater May 4, 2020 (7:42 pm)

      more like #StayinJailRapist !

  • Alex April 29, 2020 (10:52 pm)

    This is awful.  Two comments. 1)  Why 6 months to charge the suspect?   And 2) who owned the house where the underage drinkers were served?  According to one defense attorney’s website, that is  a gross misdemeanor that can come with a year in jail. 

  • Elle Nell April 29, 2020 (10:57 pm)

    You know this affects many families of long time residents in West Seattle. We have been a tight knit community, for the most part and we understand our kids… and We will get through it.  I’m sorry this has happened and come to this. Let us continue to support each other.  This will change lives forever… talk to your kids. 

  • 1994 April 29, 2020 (11:08 pm)

    Freedom of the press, and WSB does a good job. As the Alki  Res mentions, there may be additional victims who may come forward.

  • Need2know April 29, 2020 (11:34 pm)

    Thank you WSB for reporting this. I think it is very important and helpful. If there are other victims this might be all the push they needed to come forward. Horrible crime. I know this family and he had a very bright future ahead of himself and he just throw it all away. 

    • R April 30, 2020 (5:50 am)

      It takes a lot of courage and strength to speak up and there must be a supportive and caring environment to allow one to say something. Her voice speaks for many who have not spoken. #metoo

  • WS Resident April 29, 2020 (11:38 pm)

    I agree with the others saying this post is quite inappropriate. I do not condone sexual assault of any kind, and I believe that he should suffer the consequences to his actions IF he is charged. But until then, posting about it brings backlash to the family, whom do not deserve it, and further trigger the victim (as stated above, she was not aware of the articles). Maybe think about how your actions can affect all parties instead of just one person. I can’t imagine how the victim is feeling through all this being spread around, my prayers are with her and  the families involved.

    • WSMom April 30, 2020 (9:43 am)

      WS RESIDENT – It was already reported by Kiro. If WS Blog didn’t report it people would question why they didn’t report it. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. 

  • Xman April 30, 2020 (12:52 am)

    Ahem, this post does not bring backlash to the family – it’s what the young man has done that has brought the backlash. 

    • Lagartija Nick April 30, 2020 (8:26 am)

      Thank you Xman, this is the only comment here that matters. None of this would have happened IF the perpetrator had not made the horrific decision to violate a young woman (and possibly 4 others). This is 100% on him.

      • Geeburns April 30, 2020 (10:05 am)

        One of the biggest problems with our “justice” system (there are many) is that we assume someone is guilty simply because they are charged. I’m not implying that this person is entirely innocent, only stating how harmful it can be to be charged with a crime in this society because people are certain that you did it. As if no one has ever been wrongfully charged/convicted. 

  • Coach April 30, 2020 (1:24 am)

    I know the defendant. Shocked to see it was him and definitely praying for his family. I want to address the comments about how this information should not have been shared because he is not yet guilty. Ok. So lets say he is innocent. Does that then mean all of these girls are lying about their stories? Does that mean whatever he did do was legal? Because last time I checked, rapist get off everyday and the innocent get jailed everyday. Guilty or not, something happened. Someone was violated and whatever he did they viewed as violating. Young boys and young girls need to understand lines. Whether that’s young girls learning “if you give an inch, they take a mile” and young boys learning “Ask first.” NCAA made it mandatory for all athletes to have a sexual misconduct meeting at the beginning of their seasons. Boys with boys. Girls with girl. The boys were not taught “No means no”. Because a lot of rape victims don’t get the opportunity to speak. Therefore, the boys were told that they had to ASK before physically touching anyone. Yes. The awkward “Can I kiss you?””Can I hold you hand?”Yes. This is how far back we have to go because of society/judicial system has blurred the lines. Rape is black and white but our society has turned it grey. The more we hold people accountable for their actions, the less grey. Even if he is not guilty, this shows our community that rape culture is real and it is happening in our community to our children. Whether this girl was raped or not, she felt that she was violated and that is enough for us to need to speak about. I want my children to know if they speak up someone will do something about it. I love Jackson and I am hurt that he made this decision. But my love for him does not trump my values. I value for everyone in our beautiful west seattle to feel loved and protected.

    • AHLIFER50 April 30, 2020 (2:11 am)

      Whether this girl was raped or not, she felt that she was violated and that is enough for us to need to speak about. I want my children to know if they speak up someone will do something about it. I love Jackson and I am hurt that he made this decision. But my love for him does not trump my values.“Whether this girl was raped or not,”.  WOW!!!  REALLY?!?!??   Too bad people like U still exist.  Ummmm your values are what??? “He made this decision “?? Yeah he did. U have already convicted him by Ur statement   Defend the accused not not the accuser who obviously it took a lot of strength to come forward.  Wt??? 

      • zark00 April 30, 2020 (2:45 pm)

        I really think you missed the point of Coach’s statement.They were saying they personally know the alleged rapist, and even if he is innocent, this is still serious and needs to be taken seriously.  Not ‘persecute him regardless!!!’ just  – ‘this is serious stuff, sucks if he ends up being innocent, but that’s the price we pay for letting so many rapists off the hook for so long.’At least that’s how I read it – maybe I’m wrong.

    • B.W. April 30, 2020 (2:45 am)

      Well said. Thank you. And thank you WSB for being consistent on reporting. I saw the case first on KIRO and was a little concerned when I hadn’t seen it on here yet. 

    • WS April 30, 2020 (10:30 am)

      @coach. I think that your comment is very valuable. I think that it is important to understand that there are many parties involved in this situation. Many people will speak out because of anger and emotion when they don’t have the facts of what happened. Having these emotions and feeling toward a situation like this is completely valid. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but that does not mean that you get to dictate how anyone else feels about this. Everybody is going through something of their own, whether Jackson is guilty or not is not up to the people of the WSB comment section to decide. Whether or not you think that he is guilty is not what truly matters. I believe that it is important to put yourself in the shoes of the girl that made the claim and Jackson. How would you feel when people you don’t know get involved in such a manner? how would you feel sitting in a jail cell? how would you feel after being sexually violated? these are all questions that we must ask ourselves in order to empathize with the situation best. 

      • Admiral Mom April 30, 2020 (1:00 pm)

        @ Coach,I  know who you are and I think your opinion is biased. Jackson was in your class and an athlete. What’s not to like about him? My kid was in your class too, Jackson sat next to my kid. My kid liked Jackson. My kid is confused.Even beloved teachers can be biased and do harm. In my opinion you are doing harm because you think of how this has ruined his future. The fact that this has ruin the alleged victim future comes in second place because you “love Jackson”. Do you love her too? Will you love her if/when she takes your class?

  • WW Resident April 30, 2020 (2:22 am)

    Well this person just made it to the big boy jail by being 18 even though he’s still in school, but recently a 13 year old and 16 year old just got arrested for murder.The point being, those that are actually advocating for getting rid of juvenile jails should really get their head out of their you know what and realize that young people commit horrific crimes such as rape and murder and need to pay for their actions

    • GeeBurns April 30, 2020 (12:31 pm)

      People that are advocating to get rid of youth jails are not saying that youth crime is not a problem or should not be dealt with. Youth jails do very little to change a child’s behavior (same thing goes for adult prisons as they are now). We have completely changed our view on rehabilitating youth and adults who commit crimes. At this point, we have 500,000 kids brought into juvenile jails each year in the US and we have the highest rate of juvenile incarceration in the world, over 70,000 in 2010 (this doesn’t even include youth that were tried/convicted as adults). I fear a society where we believe there is no hope for young people who commit crimes, no matter how horrific they are. We should never give up on trying to help kids. 

      • WW Resident May 1, 2020 (3:11 am)

        Yeah, no punishment, we should just give them a cookie and a stern talking to

  • Steeler45 April 30, 2020 (5:49 am)

    The posting of this article IS NOT inappropriate .what is ???Taking advantage of a young woman who couldn’t communicate (clearly ) and was covered in vomit .If more victims come forward in this case , what does this tell us all about the defendant and the culture within his world .If convicted , we owe it to all these victims to never forget this defendants name .

  • NC Mom April 30, 2020 (6:13 am)

    Unfortunately I think this accuser had to know this would end up in the news. Surely, hopefully she was advised or knew to expect that. To that young lady I say I am so truly sorry for what you went through, are going through, and will go through as this story continues and your case (hopefully) makes it’s way through the justice system. And after that as well bc unfortunately, yes, this will be with you for the rest of your life. But as a mother to a young daughter I am in awe of her bravery and courage. To tell a parent, to have to talk to the police, to have to endure the hospital exam, etc… this is one brave, strong young lady and to  have the courage to do  all that  AFTER  what she went through is just amazing to me.  And at 16 years old? If there’s any good to come of this it’s the role model she is and will be for other victims. In a perfect world we wouldn’t have these stories but I hope she will receive the support and justice she deserves and can maybe one day appreciate  the incredible example she has set for other victims everywhere. And all while still trying to analyze & deal with one of the most terrible, painful, devastating things a person can  go through.  She will be in my prayers. As for the accused…he’s 18. I don’t think it’s a crazy assumption to think he knew, at 18 years old, he was legally an adult meaning if he broke the law, he would be charged and tried as an adult. He almost certainly knew that. If you don’t want the time, don’t do the crime. Considering that fact that now other, multiple accusers have now come forward, I think the odds are pretty darn darn high that this man is a predator & certainly a danger to the community . He  deserves to rot in a pit.

  • The Dad April 30, 2020 (7:27 am)

    This is for “coach”. I was floored when I read your post. You said “ the boys were not taught that no means no”! Are you kidding me? I think that at the age of 1 kids are taught that no means no. Who is taught that no means yes?!?! You sound really close to the accused, by going as far as saying you LOVE him. Take a step back and pretend you don’t know Jackson and you only knew the victim, would you still be defending him? The victim is very brave and I hope she has people around her that care.

    • zark00 April 30, 2020 (2:55 pm)

      I’m pretty sure Coach was saying that ‘no means no’ wasn’t taught, or at least when the boys went to their sexual harassment training, the concept of ‘no means no’ wasn’t effective, or taught well enough, or something the boys were articulating as to how they think about consent. So they had to go even further and teach that you must ask – ask if this touch is ok, is it ok to kiss you, etc.That’s the escalation. No means no is a simple concept, effective if it’s understood and practiced of course.  But if they aren’t getting it, or it’s no being taught or remembered, we need more – we need to teach boys to ask for consent.I dunno, I seemed to have read Coach’s comment much different than others.I was pretty sure Coach said: ‘What we’re doing is a start, but it’s not enough.  Any woman who says anything made her feel violated need to be heard and taken seriously. And even though Coach knows and likes the alleged rapist, and even if he might be innocent, Coach feels it’s important nonetheless to investigate, have the conversation, run the article with the arrest and info.  May be hard for him if he really is innocent, but it’s been WAY too hard for women for far too long, and we may have to sacrifice a little ‘be nice to the alleged rapist’ to get a little justice for women.  Dunno – correct me if I’m wrong Coach – but I think you’re getting unfairly slammed for something you didn’t say.

    • NotOnHolden April 30, 2020 (5:04 pm)

      I feel like Coach’s words are being taken out of context and not fully understood.  The not teaching “no means no” has to do consent issues that are made worse due to  rape culture.  When a victim didn’t scream or fight enough it doesn’t really count.  That’s why it is now taught to ask for active enthusiastic and positive consent along the way.  It is taught that you should not be coercive.  Just because “no” is not said it does not mean “yes”

  • anonyme April 30, 2020 (8:32 am)

    If you talk about the sweet character of a rapist and then go on to demand that nothing ill be said of him, you are condoning rape – no matter how much you deny it.  It is pure hypocrisy, and there has been far too much of that for far too long around this topic.  When I was young, most rape victims never came forward for fear of the ‘second’ rape – public, social, and judicial persecution.   That has changed a bit, but I still see no reason why the perpetrator should be immune from criticism, especially as the case against him sounds pretty solid.

  • brandon April 30, 2020 (11:28 am)

    When you combine this with the horrific Eastside Catholic HS football players event, it is appropriate to publish as verified when charged.  Guilt or innocence is determined in the courtroom.  But I am assuming trust in the process so far that an investigation that started in November has taken it’s proper course so far and has not been done recklessly.  It’s important to share this with our children (and adults) that there are accountable actions in society and need to be followed or consequences occur.  Stories like this should not be swept under the table for the sake of offenders or victims who may also come forward.

  • TJ April 30, 2020 (12:46 pm)

    Well the Eastside Catholic students were never even charged, yet have been villified (1 had his athletic scholarship revoked at Stanford) so it appears people are convicted in public sentiment if they never even make it to the courtroom. 

  • Samuella Samaniego April 30, 2020 (12:47 pm)

    I’ve come back to this WSB reply box a few times. And what moves me most is that this girl/young woman, her friends (who have assumed the responsibility of also being witnesses to the crime) and their families, have somehow gathered the strength to commit themselves to whatever it may take to find justice for the victim.
    They are young. Their battle for justice and healing and what they will have to manage from others around them is made more complex by the fact we are all living within the ecosystem of social media. The fear of not having the experience or skill set necessary to avoid being harmed again in the social media ecosystem weighs heavy on their minds. The risks are real and it’s there every day. I truly salute their courage.

    When I think of West Seattle as a small town  I think many, many people would agree that WSB is a major contributor for keeping us connected and informed of the good and the bad around us. Honestly, I really cannot think of a single story where WSB was writing with an absence of care or responsibility. Ever.

    At different points in the victim’s life, at different points in the witnesses’ lives, the role and impact of people’s opinions and positions will sustain meaning for a long time. Part of being a survivor is being forced to learn that which hides or diminishes the violence committed against them that November nite. The range of feelings that people go through, expressed or withheld, around the victim plays a role in their recovery. Something heard or read can mean everything one day, pale the next week and become important again the following year. What this young woman and her friends read here will have their attention probably more than once. In light of what they have been though thus far, they should at least be able to rely on commenters to raise the bar of honesty for ourselves. They have put everything on the line for illuminating the truth, something for which many of us have suffered a cruel malnourishment.

    My best to them, always and forever.

    • Keri April 30, 2020 (9:51 pm)

      Thank you.  So well said. 

  • Chris K April 30, 2020 (12:50 pm)

    This is a terrible situation.  We know the involved parties and are keeping them all in our prayers.

  • Belvidear April 30, 2020 (1:28 pm)

    If any of the victims are scanning these comments, please know that there is a whole army of survivors ready to stand with you. You are loved and supported. I hope you see more comments of support than anything else! But if you don’t, please know we are here.

  • PurplePiano3 April 30, 2020 (1:51 pm)

    I am a female student at WSHS and one of Jackson’s classmates. I moved to Seattle 2 years ago, so I haven’t known Jackson as long as most people at my school. At the very first party I went to, I was told to stay away from Jackson. He already had a reputation then, not as a rapist but as someone who often touched girls sexually without asking, drank too much, and didn’t like being told ‘no’. The comments claiming that he is ’respectful’ must not have come from someone who went to any parties with him. It’s a shame that women often have to keep a mental list of all the boys who are known to push boundaries. Instead, we should be able to count on our classmates to hold these boys accountable. It is no one’s fault but his, but I often think that this could have prevented if his friends would have stepped up to say ‘knock it off’ or ‘don’t be gross’ in the beginning. Instead, when the first rape allegation came out, rumors were spread by Jackson and his friends, questioning the victim’s credibility. Soon there were 2nd, 3rd and 4th allegations. The victims were often harassed and in one instance, a victim was physically assaulted. People ‘picked sides’ which was appalling to all of the people who had seen, heard about, and experienced what he did. Still, no action was taken, but sitting next to him in class and seeing him at parties made everyone uncomfortable. While the most recent sexual assault was happening (the one that Jackson was charged for), Jackson’s friends repeatedly told the people at the party, including myself that everything was fine and that no one should go check on them. Luckily, another classmate could sense that something was wrong. He went to the car to check. He intervened but it was too late. I know that his friends knew his reputation. I know I was warned about him, and I warned my friends about him. Unfortunately, it was impossible to warn every teenage girl in Seattle, especially with the damaging rumors that threw the victims’ credibility into question. I appreciate that WSB is reporting on this. Hopefully more people will now know to stay away from him, but just making this information public isn’t going to solve the problem. We also need to do something about it.  We have to do a better job holding predators accountable. Especially if when his trial happens, our justice system doesn’t do it’s job. 

  • RM April 30, 2020 (1:56 pm)

    Maybe an naive question: but if the incident happened in November, and police were called the next day – why would there be such a long delay before the arrest?With a daughter at WSHS, that’s a little unsettling, to say the least….

  • Mom of teens April 30, 2020 (2:32 pm)

    @Coach are you actually saying that girls should learn “if you give them an inch, they will take a mile” or did I read that wrong? What could you possibly mean by that antiquated statement? That girls are responsible for policing boys otherwise they should be aware that they might be assaulted? That boys can’t stop themselves? Maybe you didn’t mean it to read that way but that is absolutely what you are saying. That statement disgusts me as a woman and especially as the mother of a teenage daughter. 

  • Jort April 30, 2020 (3:01 pm)

    Why isn’t anyone here calling the suspect a “thug?” Every time somebody gets arrested for whatever crime in High Point we have lots and lots and lots of dehumanizing “thug” references. I wonder why we’re not seeing that here? Somehow, in this case, it’s a “terrible situation” and “bad for everyone involved,” but when a kind from High Point robs somebody, it’s “thug” this and “scum” that and talk of locking up and throwing away the key. Maybe we should think about how we talk about criminals from all walks of life? 

  • Allison April 30, 2020 (3:43 pm)

    How dare any of you defend that monster. There is no excuse to ever put your hands on anyone without their consent. Bottom tier human embodiment of trash. I pray the victim(s) find some peace and healing from this horrible experience. 

    • WS April 30, 2020 (5:25 pm)

      Allison,  I pray that you find understanding and compassion for all opinions. there is no need to attack someone based on their belief of a situation. nobody has the full story, not you, not I. So instead of judge we should either be quite or keep an open mind. 

  • KM April 30, 2020 (5:37 pm)

    The responses on this arrest and the arrest of the man who assaulted a woman in a High Point couldn’t be more different, but I’m sure it has nothing to do with class or race, just a coincidence?

    • CMT April 30, 2020 (7:08 pm)

      In what way are the responses different?  I missed the High Point related post you are referring to.  The responses to this post cover a pretty broad range of reactions.  It’s clear that a lot of posters in this matter have a personal connection to one or more of the parties which, wrongly or rightly, causes more nuanced reactions than hearing about a stranger’s actions.  

    • NotOnHolden April 30, 2020 (7:15 pm)

      Right?  It’s funny how this works.  It’s like all these people see themselves in their own personal version of Big Little Lies or something.

    • MercyMoi April 30, 2020 (7:58 pm)

      I couldn’t agree more. This story reminds me so much of teenaged Brett Kavanaugh – the similar privilege is not lost on me.Thank you to everyone who recognizes the bravery of the victim and the witnesses. This is an awful tragedy and thankfully these young people were brave enough to get help and speak their truths.

  • KT April 30, 2020 (9:18 pm)

    Wow. There is so much rage on this page. I understand the feeling that you have to choose a side but more than one thing can be true at the same time. We can feel empathy and compassion for this girl (the only one to come forward to date) and praise the strength it took for her to report this horrific crime against her. We can pray she gets the care she deserves and hold her in our hearts as she begins the journey of recovering; emotionally and physically. It can ALSO be true that we can feel terrible sadness for Jackson’s family – I mean, my god. I can’t begin to imagine the pain his family is also in right now. Whether you like it or not, this ‘monster’ (you should be ashamed of yourself for using that word), is a HUMAN BEING. He is someone’s son. A young man who has deviated dangerously from what is an acceptable way to treat another person, IF all we have read is true. No one is saying he should not face the consequences. But no human is irredeemable. If we hope for a more harmonious society, it would do us well to try and see the humanity in everyone. Both of these young people need our help. 

  • Jill April 30, 2020 (10:16 pm)

    Many of you have shown to be quite adept at understanding the full scope of this case, the parties involved and their families simply from a few paragraphs written in the media. I would hope those of you who have shown such enthusiasm to play jury and judge, will be as enthusiastic to participate come your next jury duty summons. 

  • R o May 1, 2020 (4:11 am)

    I’m very concerned about this why is nobody talking about where did they get the alcohol from and where are the chaperones and why were they drinking at the age of 16 17 18 when the drinking  age is 21 And the people that providing alcohol they should be charged as well

    • Once a reg kid May 1, 2020 (1:33 pm)

      As a 50+ YO man, I’m not sure where you grew up, but even in my small hometown we had house parties where there was booze and underage drinking, almost every weekend. No chaperones, as it usually took place at someones house when their parents weren’t home. It doesn’t seem to be uncommon now, and it wasn’t uncommon in the80’s.And in my sometimes hazy recollection, I can’t recall     anything more than a few broken things and a couple breaking up and arguing. Not rape, fights, or generall disrespect to anyone attending. Just a bunch of kids partying and having a good time. And if anyone that was deemed potential trouble hanging around, they were asked to leave.

  • anonyme May 1, 2020 (7:32 am)

    Clearly, some of you have never been raped, unlike the 1 in 6 American women who have either been raped or survived an attempted rape.  These are numbers that have been reported; numbers for unreported rapes and sexual assaults are even higher.  If you are not among this number, good on you.  But to deny survivors their justifiable rage is blind and despicable, especially when ironically emphasizing the so-called HUMANITY of the perpetrator – the very thing that was denied and ripped away from the victim.   This dismissive attitude – including admonitions to “be quiet” –  are exactly what enables these types of crimes – and criminals – to flourish.  WE WILL NO LONGER BE SILENT.

    • esma May 3, 2020 (9:14 am)

      Go rail against Biden then, not against an under age person.

  • Person May 1, 2020 (7:37 am)

    Time and time again it’s the sports stars. I can only hope parents and coaches might take a moment to reflect on why this might be. The praise, worship, and celebrity these kids get for throwing a ball and running fast starting at an early age seems to be damaging.

    • Elle Nell May 2, 2020 (1:30 am)

      Person, clearly you do not have children. Please refrain from your ignorant judgements. It’s harmful.-From a mother of athletes.  

  • I know May 1, 2020 (8:51 am)

    What is very unfortunate and could have changed the course of this story, is that he police did come to this tiny house behind Madison Middle School and failed to do anything to prevent this from escalating. Earlier that evening there was a scuffle because an uninvited guest made his way in and was kicked out. Police was called and they failed to make sure party was over, even though  they saw there was a large number of teens in a house without parental supervision. There was hard liquor, beer, pot. A recipe for disaster. SPD fail.

  • Rico May 1, 2020 (9:44 am)

    He has been charged with a heinous crime.  He is 18.    The press released statements from the prosecutors’ office.   We are all entitled to due process.     This is all we really know, nothing more.    It saddens me that in WS my neighbors, based on zero knowledge of what happened   are saying ” This story reminds me so much of teenaged Brett Kavanaugh – the similar privilege ” or  “How dare any of you defend that monster” and “you are condoning rape” etc     To those whose personal issues and  vitriol find your way into these posts, please be more considerate, or consider  leaving West Seattle.  

    • Elle Nell May 2, 2020 (1:33 am)

      Thank you Rico. I completely agree..

  • anonyme May 1, 2020 (10:46 am)

    First of all, no one here has made comments based on “zero knowledge”.  The editor wrote a fair and comprehensive review of the case.  As for the accusation of “personal issues and vitriol”, you’re damn right it’s personal.  Rape is VERY personal, and if you think that “vitriol” is inappropriate in the face of such a heinous crime, then you should be examining your own personal issues.

  • WS Person May 1, 2020 (2:53 pm)

    The editors published legitimate news, which was  the statement from the prosecution.  I’m not saying it’s wrong they published this at all, but I would not call it ‘fair and comprehensive.’    This is not all of the facts of the case, nor is this the place for that.  This is a charge, not a conviction.  And the defendant is not on trial on the WS Blog.  

  • Guy May 2, 2020 (8:48 pm)

    Maybe the prison he goes to has a baseball team. 

  • formerteenagegirl May 7, 2020 (11:19 pm)

    WSB, is there a court address or other 3rd party that can deliver notes or cards to the victim?  I don’t personally know any of the parties involved. But there is no doubt that this young lady is brave and courageous. She is doing what few others are willing to do, and that speaks volumes about her, and her family. I don’t want to invade her privacy. I just want her to know that the community supports and appreciates her.

  • CD May 13, 2020 (5:38 pm)

    Both King 5 news and the Seattle Times are running stories on this.  The Seattle Times story goes into detail regarding three potential victims. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/crime/seattle-high-school-student-charged-with-rape-additional-allegations-under-investigation/

    • WSB May 13, 2020 (6:32 pm)

      Their reports are based on the same information on which our story was based, just that they’re finally getting around to it weeks later. Nothing new has happened in the case (the arraignment is not until next month). We didn’t get into some of the more graphic details of the additional allegations but the Times chose to. – TR

Sorry, comment time is over.