Police in Seattle reported that the bullets that killed two bystanders during a recent shootout at a food festival did not come from the firearm of a 15-year-old arrested at the scene. Court documents filed on Wednesday detail these findings.
The King County prosecutor’s office charged the teenager with first-degree assault, including a firearm enhancement, and illegal possession of a handgun by a minor. Authorities noted the teenager was observed firing an untraceable ghost gun into the crowd, but initial tests showed the bullets that killed the bystanders did not match this weapon.
The shooting occurred during the three-day event known as the ‘Bite of Seattle.’ Four different firearms were reportedly discharged during the incident, according to shell casings retrieved from the scene.
The entrance to ‘Bite of Seattle’ is photographed as law enforcement responds to the shooting. (Image: Lindsey Wasson / AP)
The chaotic situation resulted in the death of a 19-year-old suspect. As authorities escorted the 15-year-old past the deceased suspect, the teenager reportedly said, ‘Love you bro.’
Police continue to search for other potential individuals involved. Initial investigations suggest that the violence may have been gang-related. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses and victims to gather more details.
Police Chief Shon Barnes mentioned that an eighth person, potentially with a gunshot wound, went to a Seattle hospital but left before being interviewed. Legal restrictions have hindered detectives from learning this person’s identity. Barnes urged the individual to reach out to the police.
Prosecutors proposed transferring the case to adult court, which may take months as the judge reviews both sides’ arguments. A conviction in adult court could result in a sentence of eight to ten years, plus an additional potential five years due to the firearm enhancement. However, Washington judges could decide to sentence the teenager as a juvenile, where the sentence ranges from two to two and a half years.
The site of the mass shooting is marked off with police tape during the festival in Seattle. (Image: David Ryder / Getty Images)