Two men were murdered in the 500 block of 29 Ave. South early this morning.
Officers responded to multiple reports of shots fired in the area of S. King St. and 29 Ave. South and arrived in under a minute. They found two young men lying in the street both of whom suffered gunshot wounds.
Seattle Fire Department medics quickly responded but pronounced the two men dead at the scene.
Witnesses reported seeing a black or silver vehicle fleeing the area, but no description of the shooter was given.
Homicide and CSI detectives are investigating this incident.
While this remains an on-going investigation investigators are asking for any information in this case. Please call 911 or Homicide Detectives directly at (206) 233-5000.
(UPDATE)
Seattle Police Homicide detectives believe Matalepuna Malu is the suspect in last nights double homicide. If seen, call 911 and speak with police. Please use extreme caution as the suspect is believed to be armed.
Matalepuna Malu is a Samoan male 5′ 11″, dark hair, 200 pounds and is 26 years old.
(Note: We have removed Malu’s photo as he is in the custody of law enforcement)
Update x2: Malu turned himself in at Seattle Police Headquarters on June 1st and was booked into the King County Jail.
Update x3: Under the direction of Mayor Ed Murray, the city is now working to improve safety and lighting along 29th Avenue. The Seattle Department of Transportation and Seattle City Light will inspect the 500 block of 29th Avenue early this week and develop a plan to trim back overgrown vegetation on the street. Some trees interfering with lighting on the street are on private property, but SDOT and SCL will assess the situation and attempt to resolve the public/private property issue and improve public safety in the area.
Update x4: As Seattle Police Department homicide detectives continue their investigation into murder of two men, ages 23 and 27, in the Leschi neighborhood, it has become clear that this violence was not gang-related. Neither of the victims had a criminal history and neither man is suspected of any wrongdoing. Investigators continue to follow leads and gather more information in this case, and ask that anyone with information please call (206) 233-5000.