Slayer determination — Conviction — Preponderance of evidence.
RCW 11.84.140
in effect(1) A final judgment of conviction for the willful and unlawful killing of the decedent is conclusive for purposes of determining whether a person is a slayer under this section. A finding of not guilty by reason of insanity for the willful and unlawful killing of the decedent carries the same meaning as a judgment of conviction. (2) In the absence of a criminal conviction or a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity, a superior court finding by a preponderance of the evidence that a person participated in the willful and unlawful killing of the decedent is conclusive for purposes of determining whether a person is a slayer under this section.
(1) A final judgment of conviction for the willful and unlawful killing of the decedent is conclusive for purposes of determining whether a person is a slayer under this section. A finding of not guilty by reason of insanity for the willful and unlawful killing of the decedent carries the same meaning as a judgment of conviction.
(2) In the absence of a criminal conviction or a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity, a superior court finding by a preponderance of the evidence that a person participated in the willful and unlawful killing of the decedent is conclusive for purposes of determining whether a person is a slayer under this section.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=11.84&full=trueFetched: 6/28/2026