On August 1, about 12:30 a.m., this morning, North Precinct patrol officers responded to a fully engulfed white Hyundai Elantra in the 5500 block of Phinney Avenue North. This vehicle matches the description of the car used in the University District homicide on July 31.
The occupant(s) left the area before police arrived. No arrests have been made at this time. Investigators processed the scene and collected evidence. The homicide investigation is ongoing, and SPD will provide updates as detectives make progress on this case.
If anyone has information, they are asked to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are accepted.
Posted on July 31, 2025 11:17 pm
Detectives Investigating Homicide in University District
Seattle police detectives are investigating a homicide in the University District this evening.
At 7:10 p.m., patrol officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 4700 block of 17th Avenue Northeast. There, officers found a 28-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound. Police provided emergency medical aid until the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) arrived and took over care.
Tragically, despite all life-saving efforts, the victim succumbed to his injuries and SFD pronounced him deceased at the scene.
Witnesses saw an unidentified person flee the area before police arrived. They left in a white Hyundai Elantra with black wheels and a damaged front passenger window.
Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying this car:
Anyone that sees this vehicle should not approach it, the occupant(s) should be considered armed and dangerous. Residents are asked to call 911 immediately and provide any details for SPD’s investigation.
This incident marks the 23rd homicide in Seattle this year, compared to 31 at this time last year. It is critical for us to resolve this case.
SPD’s dedicated patrol officers, homicide detectives, and crime scene investigators arrived and processed the scene, interviewed witnesses, and checked for any useful video surveillance footage of the crime.
We will keep the public informed as this investigation progresses. Our commitment is unwavering, and we will work to bring justice to the victim and their loved ones.
Thank you for your attention to this serious matter.
-Shon F. Barnes, Chief of Police, Seattle Police Department
Incident Number: 2025-217693
