King County Executive orders inquest into fatal Seattle police shooting of Che Taylor on Feb. 21

SEATTLE -- King County Executive Dow Constantine ordered an inquest Thursday into the fatal shooting of Che Andre Taylor by two Seattle police officers in the Wedgwood neighborhood on Feb. 21.

Taylor, 47, died after being shot as he was bending down in an open car door in the 2200 block of Northeast 85th Street.

Seattle police said two officers were investigating a suspicious car in the 2200 block of NE 85th Street when they encountered the man who was "clearly armed" and refused their commands. Police say he was reaching for a handgun while on the passenger side of his car when they opened fire.

Police identified him as Che Taylor. Police say he is a  violent felon whose criminal history includes convictions for assault, robbery and rape.

Critics say Taylor was getting down to give himself up when officers shot him.

The King County prosecutor recommended the inquest after reviewing materials provided by the Seattle Police Department, the King County Executive's Office said in a news release Thursday.

Inquests are fact-finding hearings conducted before a six-member jury.

Earlier stories by Q13 News:

Dozens protest in Seattle over fatal police shooting of Che Taylor

Mayor says police shooting of Che Taylor appears justified, but will await probe before making judgment

Family, friends hold vigil for man they say was wrongly killed by Seattle police

Investigators releasing few details about felon shot by Seattle PD