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Residents urge Benton County commissioners to examine court handling and a 2023 death
Summary
During public comment at the May 5 meeting residents raised concerns about local court procedures, alleged preferential treatment in protection-order cases, and requested attention to the 2023 death of Gage Stayey (case no. 23-034015); speakers asked commissioners to review records and consider legislative or investigatory follow-up.
Several residents used the Benton County public comment period May 5 to press commissioners to examine court practices and to seek accountability in a 2023 death.
Jesse Rotana of Kennewick told the board he was speaking on behalf of family members and asked commissioners to "bring awareness" to the Gage Stayey case (case number 23-034015). Rotana said the detective in charge resigned in 2025 and alleged that witnesses and some records were inconsistent; he urged the board to review body camera footage and statements so "the truth will come out." Rotana asked that officials "take a look at this case in its entirety." (Rotana self-identified his name and address for the record.)
Marcy Torres, who identified herself as from Franklin County, contrasted the treatment of two domestic-violence cases and said a protection order in her case had been issued "with no evidence," while another person received a more favorable outcome. Torres said the difference in treatment appeared to stem from race and wealth and warned commissioners that "people will know" if officials decline to act.
Marie Redout, a Richland resident and former law enforcement officer, told the board she had sent detailed emails alleging recurring problems with family court procedures in Benton and Franklin counties and asked commissioners to ask questions, collaborate on proposed legislation and "find out a little bit about it." Rebecca Ulbricht (online) briefly reminded listeners that it was filing week for precinct committee officer positions.
Why it matters: Public commenters asked the commissioners to review court processes and a criminal investigation; the comments raised allegations and requested official attention but did not result in recorded board directives on the public record during this meeting.
What’s next: The transcript records that the board may refer items identified during public comments to the county administrator for further action, but the May 5 public record does not show a formal referral or next step on these specific cases.
