Incident
Detective Michael Raburn was stabbed with a sword while responding to the home of a mentally disturbed person. He was working plainclothes at the time to serve an eviction on the tenant. When he knocked on the front door, the subject reached through the doorway and stabbed him. Detective Raburn was able to fire several shots at the suspect while retreating. A SWAT team forced entry later in the night and shot and killed the suspect. Detective Raburn had served with the King County Sheriff's Office for 12 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, foster son, father, brother, and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WA-449A0C06- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Raburn gave the King County Sheriff's Office 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Seattle community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Raburn.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Michael L. Raburn is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In WA, 187 of 340 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 55% of this state's fallen. That is 55 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At King County Sheriffs Department, 11 of 18 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.1% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Michael L. Raburn's cause is highlighted.
How Michael L. Raburn Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Michael L. Raburn is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Michael L. Raburn was killed by edged weapon.
Incident Location
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