The recent shooting at a Seattle food festival ended with tragic consequences, as bullets that killed two bystanders did not come from the weapon a 15-year-old suspect was firing. Police indicated this information in court documents released on Wednesday. The King County prosecutor’s office charged the teenager with first-degree assault enhanced by firearm use and unlawful possession of a handgun by a minor.
The police report stated the teenager was firing a ghost gun into the crowd, though preliminary bullet testing revealed no match with this weapon. Investigators found shell casings from four guns at the scene of the Sunday shooting, suggesting multiple weapons were involved.
The entrance to “Bite of Seattle” is seen as police respond to a shooting at Seattle Center during the food festival in Seattle, Wash. Lindsey Wasson / AP
A 19-year-old suspect was killed during the gun battle. As officers escorted the 15-year-old past the suspect’s body, the teenager reportedly said, “Love you bro.” Authorities are working to identify at least one other individual involved in the incident. The statement did not specify who fired the fatal shots.
The incident occurred during the final hours of the Bite of Seattle festival. It resulted in three fatalities, which included a 19-year-old shooter, along with at least four injuries, affecting a toddler among others. Authorities suspect gang-related motives and are reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses to identify further suspects.
Police tape cordons off the location of a mass shooting at the “Bite of Seattle” food festival in Seattle, Wash. David Ryder / Getty Images
Following the event, an eighth individual reported a potential gunshot wound at a Seattle hospital but left before detectives could interview them. Police Chief Shon Barnes noted that obtaining the patient’s identity presented legal challenges. It is uncertain if the injury relates to the festival shooting, but Barnes encouraged the person to contact investigators.
Prosecutors requested that a judge consider moving the case to adult court, a decision that requires time and legal arguments from both sides. If charged as an adult, the teenager might face a prison sentence ranging from approximately eight to 10 years, plus a potential five-year enhancement for firearm use. However, Washington judges have the flexibility to sentence juveniles as juveniles even in adult court.
In juvenile court, the sentencing for the charges ranges from two to 2 ½ years. It is unclear whether the firearm enhancement would extend the juvenile detention period.
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