Following a thorough investigation, the Seattle Police Department on March 17 in the early morning arrested a suspect in the homicide of two high school students. The suspect – a juvenile male – was arrested without incident.
“While this arrest cannot bring back the lives of the two young men, it represents an important step toward accountability and toward providing their grieving families and our community with some measure of closure,” said Chief Shon Barnes. “No family should have to endure this kind of loss.”
On Jan. 30, two students standing at a Rainier Beach bus stop across from a school were tragically shot and killed. First responders including Seattle police officers and firefighters attempted life-saving measures, but both young men died at the scene.
Because of the suspect’s age and the ongoing legal process, the Seattle Police Department will not provide additional identifying information about the suspect. SPD does not believe Seattle faces an ongoing threat related to this incident.
Since the tragedy, Seattle Police Department detectives have collectively worked thousands of hours on the case to identify and locate the suspect. The department’s comprehensive investigation involved patrol officers, detectives, professional staff, and community partners, in addition to speaking with members of the community. This teamwork allowed the department to move quickly while maintaining the integrity of the investigation. The department has also been working closely with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
The case remains an active investigation. They are still working to understand the circumstances that led to this tragedy.
Preventing gun violence requires partnership, consistency
Chief Barnes acknowledged how gun violence – especially gun violence involving young people – is one of the most painful challenges that a community can face.
“Each of these losses is profound. Each represents a future that will never be fully realized. And each should force us to confront the urgent need to protect our youth from the cycles of violence that continue to claim them,” he said.
SPD has assigned officers to patrol the Rainier Beach High School area on foot before and after school to engage students and foster relationships. This plan will be in place for the remainder of the school year. The department is also working with non-profits with deep community relationships to address the concerns of parents, caretakers, and neighbors.
“We are grateful for the partnership and relationship with the Seattle Police Department and the Mayor’s Office,” said Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Benjamin Shuldiner. “Their collective work on this case demonstrates their commitment to keeping the streets and neighborhoods of the Rainier Beach corridor and our great city safe. While news of an arrest does not replace the lives of our students or squelch the incredible grief felt by the families and our school community, we are thankful for this important step toward accountability and justice for all those impacted by this tragic loss.”
This remains an active investigation, SPD still welcomes any additional information that the community can share with us. To make an anonymous tip, call the Seattle Police Department tip line at (206) 233-5000.