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Rape in Seattle, Washington, May 4, 2025

15-year-old girl (identity withheld), 15

Walking near the Northgate Transit Center in north Seattle around 9 a.m. on her way to school.

Released by a judgeUS citizen
  1. Original charge
    Cumulative releases on prior arrests over 19 years
    September 1, 2024
  2. Released
    Multiple pretrial releases / failures to execute warrants
    April 1, 2025
  3. 33 days later
    Rape
    May 4, 2025

What happened

Kowalczewski allegedly approached the 15-year-old near a bus stop, forced her into a wooded area near the Northgate Transit Center, and raped her. He was arrested shortly after; bail was set at $1 million post-attack. He has pleaded not guilty.

The release decision

On September 1, 2024, Joshua Kowalczewski was charged with cumulative releases on prior arrests over 19 years. Various King County Court Judges Multiple King County Judges (Pending Full Identification) ordered the release on April 1, 2025. Terms: multiple pretrial releases / failures to execute warrants. Prosecutors had asked for detention; warrant execution. The defendant had 28 prior arrests at the time.

The defendant's record

28 prior arrests since 2008. 13 convictions. 46 warrants across five jurisdictions; 9 active at the time of the May 2025 attack. Homeless at the time of arrest.

Sources