No Criminal Charges Filed Against Officers In Churna Case

Dear Redmond Community,

Last week the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office’s Public Integrity Team released their filing determination regarding Andrea Churna, who was shot and killed by a Redmond police officer on Sept. 20, 2020.

The Public Integrity Team issued a Decline Memorandum, recommending that no criminal charges be filed against any officers present during this incident. 

When the shooting occurred, the policy in place at that time does not allow me to specifically elaborate on the internal findings until the conclusion of the inquest process (that policy has since been revised).

Per policy, Officer Mendoza, who fired the fatal shots, was put on paid administrative leave following the incident. As of October 2022, Officer Mendoza is no longer an employee of the Redmond Police Department.   

I have acknowledged that mistakes occurred that night. As a result of the multiple investigations, we have refined our policies and procedures to align with industry best practices. These include access to additional less-lethal options, implementing a body-worn and in-car camera program, and increasing mental health resources.

While nothing can bring Ms. Churna back, we are continuously striving to improve the quality of service our first responders provide our Redmond community in order to prevent another tragic loss of life. 

We will continue communicating throughout this process with our community.

Sincerely,

Chief Darrell Lowe