The following is a statement from Mayor Mike McGinn’s blog. The death of Danny Vega is an active and ongoing homicide investigation. Anyone who witnessed all or part of the attack or heard about it later is asked to call the Homicide tip-line at (206) 233-5000. Anonymous calls are welcome. New information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be vital to solving this case.
On Danny Vega’s passing
Yesterday, I learned that Danny Vega, a beloved member of Seattle’s Filipino Community and business owner in the Rainier Valley, died from injuries sustained during an attack on the evening of November 15.
Danny was well known for his service to the community. He was a regular volunteer at the Filipino Community Center, most recently helping with the 76th Anniversary of the Filipino Community in Seattle event on November 5. At his salon, he was known for his creative styles and his friendly manner. He was active in Seattle’s LGBT community, including his participation in the Miss FCS Gay and Miss Asian Gay pageants.
Danny Vega was going for a walk in his neighborhood when he was attacked by three African-American males who were approximately 18 years old. The suspects stole several items and then fled the area, according to evidence gathered by our police department. Mr. Vega was able to walk home and call police. Our fire department also responded, transporting him to Harborview Medical Center with life threatening injuries. Mr. Vega soon slipped into a coma. He died of his injuries yesterday.
Our police department’s Homicide and Assault Unit are actively investigating this crime. Some have suggested that Mr. Vega’s killers targeted him because he was an openly gay man. The police department is fully investigating this possibility. Anyone with any information about Mr. Vega’s killers should call police at 206-233-5000. Anonymous calls are welcome. My condolences go to his family, his friends, and those in the community who knew him.