PASCO — 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 Antonio Zambrano-Montes, 35, 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.
