Seattle prosecutors to receive case against 15-year-old suspect in mass shooting by Wednesday
King County prosecutors expect to receive a case file from Seattle police on Wednesday for a 15-year-old held in connection with the Seattle Center shooting that left two dead and four injured.
King County prosecutors said they anticipate receiving a case file from the Seattle Police Department between 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday for a 15-year-old who remains in secured juvenile detention after the Seattle Center shooting. A judge found probable cause on Monday to keep the teen in custody, and charges are expected to follow.
The incident, which occurred at the Seattle Center, resulted in two fatalities—identified as Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44, and Ashley Whitehead, 56—and injured four others. Police have also identified a 19-year-old, Junior Cee Niko Semo, as a possible second shooter. Authorities recovered three firearms at the scene, including a ghost gun and a Glock 45 modified with an automatic switch, and noted that 33 rounds were missing.
Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes said investigators are still determining whether additional suspects are involved, citing conflicting witness statements. He added that the shooting appears to be linked to gang-related violence, though the specific groups have not yet been identified.
In response to the incident, the police department is increasing officer presence at upcoming public events, such as the Seafair festivities, and will coordinate with Seattle Center staff to enhance safety. A silent vigil is scheduled for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Seattle Center to honor those affected by the shooting.