Seattle Festival Shooting (Img: X)
Seattle: A 15-year-old suspect was arrested following a fatal shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival in Seattle, where police say there was an exchange of gunfire involving three suspected shooters, resulting in the deaths of three people and the wounding of four others.
According to Seattle Police, investigators suspect that two groups exchanged gunfire in the incident which took place near the Space Needle on Sunday evening. According to Assistant Chief Nicole Powell, it appears that the shooting was gang-related and that one of the suspects, a 19-year-old, was killed.
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The court documents in juvenile court show that investigators are exploring the involvement of the arrested teen, the killed 19-year-old suspect, and at least one other unidentified suspect.
The arrested teen appeared before the juvenile court on Monday when a judge ruled for the 15-year-old to be held in custody pending investigation into the weapons offense and assault in the first degree. Prosecutors will make the decision about filing charges against the 15-year-old this week.
The gun battle broke out about 6 pm as the daylong food festival was winding down, prompting people to flee the area or take refuge inside buildings in the area.
Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44, Ashley Whitehead, 56, and Junior Cee Niko Semo, 19, were identified by the King County Medical Examiner. According to police reports, Semo is among the suspected shooters.
Four others were injured in the attack, including a toddler. He was in satisfactory health. The other three victims have since been released from the hospital.
Confusion was rife at the scene following contradictory public information regarding the number of suspects involved. The police confirmed that the situation is still fluid as investigations proceed to establish the exact number of people involved in the shooting.
Responding officers rushed to the scene after receiving an emergency call about seconds after the first gunshots. Investigations are ongoing as to whether there is any other person involved in the shooting.
