Judge releases photos of tattoos belonging to Auburn cop charged with murder

A King County Superior Court judge has allowed the public release of photos showing the various tattoos covering Auburn police officer Jeffrey Nelson, who is awaiting trial for murder.

Nelson was charged with second-degree murder in 2020 in connection with the death of Jesse Sarey, a 26-year-old man Nelson shot outside of a grocery store in 2019.

The 38 photos released on Wednesday include pictures capturing tattoos on Nelson’s hands: “JUDGED BY XII” on the right hand. “CARRIED BY VIII” on the left. That’s shorthand for an old policing proverb: “I’d rather be judged by 12” jurors than “carried by six” — or sometimes eight — pallbearers.

The pictures also show numerous other tattoos covering Nelson’s arms, back, and feet, which contain images of skulls, wolves, and the grim reaper, among others.