Seattle Police: Shooting at Food Festival May Have Been Gang-Related, Three Dead
Police in Seattle say at least three suspects were involved in a shooting at the 'Bite of Seattle' food festival on Sunday evening, resulting in three deaths and four injuries, including a toddler. The incident is believed to be gang-related, and a 15-year-old suspect has been arrested.
Seattle police announced Monday that the shooting at the 'Bite of Seattle' food festival near the Space Needle on Sunday evening involved at least three suspects, not just two as initially thought. A 15-year-old who was arrested waived his initial court appearance and is being held in juvenile detention on suspicion of firearms violations and first-degree assault. One suspect, a 19-year-old, was killed at the scene, and police believe there is at least one other unknown shooter still at large. Assistant Police Chief Nicole Powell stated that investigators suspect the incident was gang-related, with two groups exchanging gunfire.
The shooting erupted around 6 p.m. local time as the three-day festival was winding down. It left three people dead and four others wounded, including a 2-year-old boy. The deceased were identified as Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44; Ashley Whitehead, 56; and Junior Cee Niko Semo, 19. All four wounded individuals—a 2-year-old boy, two men aged 23 and 27, and a 39-year-old woman—have been discharged from the hospital.
The response from city officials was marked by confusion. On Sunday, police waited five hours to inform the public that one shooter had been arrested and another was believed to be at large. Mayor Katie Wilson initially stated that two people were in custody, a claim she later retracted. Police Chief Shon Barnes admitted that investigators were unsure if the second shooter was among the dead. Officials defended their handling, saying they were trying to ensure accuracy amid chaotic circumstances.
Vendors were allowed back to the festival site on Monday morning to retrieve their equipment. Some reported seeing what appeared to be bloodstains on the ground. A candlelight vigil was held Monday evening at the International Fountain to honor the victims. The King County prosecutor's office expects to receive the case from Seattle police on Wednesday to decide on charges.
