Inquest into death of rock-throwing man killed by Pasco police delayed over funding

PASCO, Wash. (AP) — A coroner's inquest into the death of an orchard worker who was gunned down by three Pasco police officers has been delayed over funding.

Coroner Dan Blasdel said Thursday in a news release that Franklin County commissioners are refusing to pay for an inquest in the shooting of 35-year-old Antonio Zambrano-Montes, who was throwing rocks at police when he was shot.

Commissioners said in a Jan. 29 letter that Blasdel failed to submit a budget request for the inquest and question the need for it.

Commissioners said if he submits a budget request they will be obliged to consider it against the statutory purposes for an inquest.

The coroner has said the review would help make probes into the death more transparent.

A prosecutor previously announced the officers who opened fire on Zambrano-Montes wouldn't face criminal charges.