Update: Junction shooting victim dies, no arrests yet

(Sunday night photo by WSB contributing photojournalist Christopher Boffoli)
Though his wounds were originally described as “not life-threatening,” Seattle Police now say the man shot in The Junction late last night died overnight. The update a short time ago from Officer Renee Witt also includes a few other changes to what police have found out since our original coverage: They say he’s 26 years old and was “walking across the street” when two people “both opened fire, striking the victim twice.” (We have since clarified with Officer Witt — as originally reported, it’s still believed he was in some kind of argument with those two people when he was shot; the victim is reported to have said that himself after running into Talarico’s and collapsing.) The two suspects are still believed to have gotten away by car, described only as a “white sedan,” and Officer Witt says investigators have no other information on the suspects they’re seeking. 7:37 AM UPDATE: Checking e-mail from the past few hours, we found this note:

The man shot at Talarico’s was my brother, Steven. He was 26 and unfortunately, he did not make it. He passed away shortly after arriving to Harborview. The shot to his chest went through the main artery from his heart. He was an amazing man and I will miss him! If any of your readers know anything about what happened please have them call the police. I just can’t believe the people who did this are out there running around…

The note is from Tanya, whose surname also is on the e-mail, but we won’t add that until we can confirm with the Medical Examiner that the man’s next-of-kin have been officially notified (we just called and they currently don’t expect to release the official ID till this afternoon). This is the first homicide in West Seattle since 49-year-old Tracey Creamer was killed last April in Highland Park by her husband, who then killed himself; that was the only 2008 WS killing, following three in 2007. 8:39 AM UPDATE: The latest information from police is also now summarized on SPDBlotter. 11:37 AM UPDATE: New photo from WSB contributing photojournalist Christopher Boffoli – one of the bullet holes in the Talarico’s facade:

AD February 2, 2009 (7:40 am)

That is terrible. Disgusting!

I am sometimes out at Talarico’s Sunday night karaoke, and I am not “hoodish.”

tj February 2, 2009 (8:17 am)

For the sake of catching these people, let’s hope there was a dying declaration… that the young knew who these people were.

tj February 2, 2009 (8:17 am)

*young man knew

Aim February 2, 2009 (8:24 am)

This is so incredibly sad. I wish peace and comfort for his family.

KHB February 2, 2009 (8:35 am)

This is heartbreaking… I was in Talarico’s last night (and am not “hoodish” either). Even though it was a scary scene for me and my friends, I can’t imagine what this man’s friends and family are experiencing now. My prayers are with them. AND for the police that they quickly find who did this.

MB February 2, 2009 (9:03 am)

I am from west seattle, born and raised, and am roughly the same age as the victim. I’m really hoping it wasn’t someone I grew up with or know from being out and about. Not that it matters, know him or not, this is just terrible. My prayers go out to all his family and friends. Let’s hope we get a description of the suspects sooner than later so these guys can be put where they belong! And I also hope the Junction & Talaricos don’t get a bad wrap in the end. Bad things can happen anywhere.

And I have to ask, can’t help it…does “hoodish” = bad? Is that your point? Please correct me if I’m wrong. If I am right, I think that’s an unfortunate way of looking at things, because it isn’t accurate.

AD February 2, 2009 (9:03 am)

Tanya,

Since I read about your brother dying I haven’t been able to get you and your family out of my head all morning. Some people are leaving quite callous messages, but really, they know nothing. We do not know your brother, Steven, or anything about the situation or the people involved. A life has been lost in a terrible way…and there’s nothing I can say or do right now to “make it better” except for not be judgmental and hope that the killer(s) find justice.

GenHillOne February 2, 2009 (9:10 am)

If by “hoodish” you mean from the WS ‘hood…count me in. This is a sad situation all around and I’m sorry for anyone involved.

livingonthebeach February 2, 2009 (10:20 am)

This is a horrible thing to happen to any family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Ms Pam February 2, 2009 (10:35 am)

This just did not have to happen! How dare those killers play “God” and take a precious human beings life. As for the family of the victim, I am truly sorry for your loss. I too have lost a brother to a vicious and very unnecessary killing. Take care of yourselves so that you can be strong enough to see that his killers are put in prison for a long long time.

I am truly sorry for your loss…

villagegreen February 2, 2009 (10:43 am)

KHB – “Even though it was a scary scene for me and my friends, I can’t imagine what this man’s friends and family are experiencing now.”

How was it a scary scene? Is it that way every Sunday or was it due to the Superbowl? I don’t usually hang out at Talarico’s after dinner due to the frat scene that develops, but I didn’t realize it was that sketchy.

What a waste of three lives. These men will surely be caught and spend the majority of their lives in jail. Pure unadulterated stupidity.

R. Swan February 2, 2009 (10:58 am)

Idiots with guns are the problem here, not the crowd. Until we can do something about this attitude that problems need to be solved by shooting, this will continue to happen.

Definitely a coward’s weapon. What happened to beating down the fella you have a beef with using your fists? That’s the way real men solve these things. Not pussing out with a gun as you drive away.

Morgan February 2, 2009 (11:02 am)

I knew Steve. I was shocked to hear the news from my friends this morning. Steve was one of the craziest and funniest guys I ever knew. My heart goes out to his family. This is truely sad. I just cant believe it. I wish I could of seen Steve one last time……

OP February 2, 2009 (11:34 am)

What horrible and sad thing to happen to this man and his family, and to our usually peaceful WS community too. I hope the cops catch the vermin.

MB February 2, 2009 (11:39 am)

Steve was just an aquaintence of mine, but we know many of the same people. He was one of us “kids” who grew up here and may have run with different crowds, but all know eachother’s faces through mutual friends. My heart aches for all his close friends and family. Morgan, my thoughts are with you.

AD February 2, 2009 (11:43 am)

MB, I had said I was not “hoodish” because in the other thread about the shooting poster ‘jiggers’ had used the term in a “bad” way saying that the hoodish crowd comes out for karaoke at Talarico’s. I do not share those beliefs and yes, I think it’s unfortunate some people have that opinion.

Jeremy Kaynor February 2, 2009 (11:48 am)

The last memory I have of our friend Steven is talking to him on my deck. He talked about how much he loved the whole family and how close he was with my brother-inlaw. We sat and talked about how hard he had worked to get where he was at with his work and how happy he was there. He was an amazing individual and always had stories to tell that captivated you. My 10 year old son loved him so much because of how kind Steven always was to him. His loyalty to his friends and family was something for every one to admire. He was a very kind person and always looking out for the well being of the ones that he knew. We will miss him with all our hearts. I hope that who ever took him from us will be brought to justice soon. This was not fair to his family and friends. We love your Steve.

MB February 2, 2009 (11:50 am)

AD – As soon as I posted that I went back and read the other comments from the previous thread and see exactly what you mean. It really is too bad. Thanks for clarifying :)

jiggers February 2, 2009 (12:11 pm)

I didn’t say the victim was “hoodish” so stop it.

AD February 2, 2009 (12:18 pm)

jiggers, you implied it in the response to the news, where friends and family could possibly read; it was insensitive and judgmental. But it’s ok, we all make mistakes…learn from them.

There’s more good than bad out there…

Bogie February 2, 2009 (12:26 pm)

I just found out I knew the victim. Although it was a long time ago that I sat next to him in grade school, I am having a hard time accepting this. My thoughts are with his family and friends. I hope they all find peace with this situation. No matter what the circumstances were, his life should not have been taken.

KHB February 2, 2009 (12:58 pm)

VillageGreen – yes, I agree about the stupidity, absolutely! What happened last night was scary. Being there while it happened, THAT was scary. Its a bit hard to believe you had to ask “how was it scary?”. Talarico’s is NOT scary, Sunday nights are not “sketchy” and I’m not about to speculate on the Superbowl having an effect. As many others have said, tragically bad things can happen anywhere and I share the hope that whoever is responsible is brought to justice ASAP.

WPS February 2, 2009 (1:25 pm)

Every time I saw Steve he had a wave and a smile for me. A nice young man by any measure.

My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. Our whole community has lost a worthy member.

bsmomma February 2, 2009 (1:33 pm)

Has the last name been released and or can it be yet?

WSB February 2, 2009 (1:40 pm)

BSM – The medical examiner has not yet released it and that is what I am waiting for – I’m checking frequently (and also checking with police on any additional investigation details).

Glocson February 2, 2009 (2:18 pm)

What a horrible thing. I don’t know the circumstances, but that’s why you have to watch who you are around. It’s not grade school anymore folks. Cowards pull guns on people. What a bad deal.

villagegreen February 2, 2009 (2:20 pm)

KHB – I think I misunderstood your original post. I thought you meant the scene was scary BEFORE the actual shooting went down. Just thought maybe Sunday nights at Talarico’s were always a bit crazy. I eat at Talarico’s often and do like the place. If Sunday nights are not usually a problem then I do hope this doesn’t hurt their business.

And it goes without saying, I truly am sorry for the victim’s family’s loss.

mrhineh February 2, 2009 (2:27 pm)

Correct me if I am wrong, but where does it say that this establishment had ANYTHING to do with this specific incident? Here is another media outlet report, I don’t believe it says anything to that effect WSE.

mrhineh February 2, 2009 (2:28 pm)

http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/seattle911/archives/160981.asp#extended

missed posting the link :)

CTW February 2, 2009 (2:37 pm)

Really? You have to watch who you are around? Nah, you have it wrong, hon. I am ‘around’ good people – some of the best people I know. And a few of my friends were almost hurt last night. I love them, they knew and loved Steven.

The lesson is you have to love; not watch (with paranoia).

Talarico’s was full of good people last night. It is a fun place. Nothing could have warned us of what was to come.

WesCAddle February 2, 2009 (2:56 pm)

Why are you guys still talking about Talaricos?

It didn’t happen in Talaricos, the people involved were not coming from Talaricos. You could just as easily say this whole thing happened at Petco.

Give Talaricos a break…jeesh.

Glocson February 2, 2009 (3:15 pm)

Exactly WesCaddle. You have to watch who you are talking back to. You DO NOT get shot crossing a street. I can pretty much guarantee he wasn’t just crossing street. CTW you have never left West Seattle I take it? People get shot,knifed, etc all the time just for standing up for themselves. CTW if you were around “good People” then why did this happen, hon? RIP young man.

Kelly February 2, 2009 (4:15 pm)

It is inappropriate and uncaring to blame the victim. Can we just cool it with the “you have to watch your back” stuff?

My heartfelt sympathies go out to the victim’s family and friends. I am sorry for your loss.

Heidi February 2, 2009 (4:28 pm)

Stevie was a childhood friend of mine, I always looked up to him like an older brother!! This was all so sudden and heartbreaking! I hope they catch the guy(s) that stole this man away from us!!! RIP Stevie!!! We love you!

Teressa February 2, 2009 (4:37 pm)

I knew Steve, he played soccer with my sons. He was an excellent soccer player, I would say he was one of the best soccer players in West Seattle. I was amazed by his skill. He also always treated me with respect, which is what all of us should do now. Treat his memory with respect. I pray for his parents and all of his family and friends. This is a terrible tradgedy for the whole West Seattle Community. Please you guys, be careful out there. There are people like the ones who shot Steve who have no integrity at all and, for those persons who shot him, I hope they are prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Rest In Peace, Steve.

familyaffairgirls February 2, 2009 (5:44 pm)

I was shocked to find out in the end that this was a friend of mine that I have known since we were in pre-school up at Hope Lutheran. Steven was a VERY kind hearted young man! I will ALWAYS remember his smile and those dimples that could go on forever. It breaks my heart knowing that he was violently taken from this earth from this earth till we meet again bushaw! RIP man

marie February 2, 2009 (7:03 pm)

I grew up with stevie and he was the most family oriented and kind hearted guy you would ever meet.Whenever he came around he always had the biggest and warmest smile on his face.I will miss you stevie..love always!Please find these men.

Bruce jones February 2, 2009 (8:07 pm)

wanna know why he was shot? Listen to the radio….

Bubs February 2, 2009 (8:23 pm)

This is terrible! Violence sucks, any place, any time. We can all do better. My condolences to the family and friends of this young man… A terrible loss for everyone involved. I will put out a prayer tonight for peace. Keep safe.

concernedMom February 2, 2009 (9:32 pm)

My heart goes out to the family of the slain man, I know Talarico’s because my child works there. I have been blessed to know most of the kind, thoughtful and genuine people that put that establishment to work everyday. I am saddened at the death of this individual but relieved to hear noone else got hurt in this senseless tragic act.
We don’t ever know when these tragic times will end, but we always have control over how we react to them….empathy and compassion is what is needed now….no harsh words about the time, place or reason should be spoken. Let’s just pray his family and friends can gather it’s strengths to move forward with this taking of a human life.

howie February 2, 2009 (11:57 pm)

Geez, people are so incredibly confused by ideas, words, and language these days. They don’t have any confidence to just utter what is real. Well, I’ll do it for you all, and I won’t get all corn-foozed by my own thoughts. The words “hoody” and “watch your back” are simply common-sensical!! There happen to be scroungy, bad-intentioned people who lurk around practically any neighborhood, esp. since in modern times police depts. do not drive those people off streets. And one does oneself a favor by watching one’s back. And in fact there are such things as hoody types, who are prone to loudness, pushiness, and sometimes aggressiveness. And there are downright criminals, who look around for something to do. I’ve been in W. Sea for ten years, and I’ve seen these elements grow a bit every year. I talk with some of the merchants on Cal. Ave. and we agree that there are several little ganglets of quite bad people who just can’t get thrown out of the Junction area. E.g, one group of about 3 toughs (one white, one latino, one ??), and sometimes they have a woman hanger-on… in their 30s or so. And the list can go on and on: punks who tag, punks who put “Easy Street” stickers everywhere that is not desired or legal; punks who skateboard down middle of sidewalk w/o care for old people and kids. Etc etc. Sometimes I have given bad stares and gestures at drivers going slowly down Cal. with boom boxes at about 120 decibels, shaking the brains out of shoppers and strollers. I might get killed one day for doing so. But, then, are we all just chickens?

csw2119 February 3, 2009 (10:01 am)

To Steve’s brother: My apoligizes, I left a comment yesterday on the Seattle Times blog, I didn’t understand why/how you could blog about this less than 24 hours after your brothers death. What I didn’t consider was your age. Blogging and texting are part of young peoples lives, a valid from of communicaiton. I am twice your age, therefore, blogging would be the last thing on my mine. Again, my apoligizes. West Seattle is my neighborhood too, it’s shocking to have violence in our neighborhood. When these punks are captured, I hope they get the death penalty. I don’t want your tax dollars or mine paying to support them in prision. Nor do I want them on the streets in another 15 years. My sympathy to you, your family and friends. CSW

Bruce jones February 3, 2009 (11:18 am)

its all fine and good until YOU have a gun in your face from some little wanna be gangster. My friend and I were recently robbed at gunpoint. When my friend and I ran shots were fired, hitting my friend in the back of the left arm. All i remember is seeing the blood, and hearing laughter from the kids, while they listend to the latest BS gangster rap. Dont get me wrong, i’m not a violent person, but I have armed myself, and think you should do the same.

Kevin Stalker February 3, 2009 (2:04 pm)

I know Ill never meet a person with half the love and loyalty “Boo” had for his friends and family. The things we all miss about Steve cant be explained. He had “IT” So many questions to ask and so many emotions to fill this void. Thank you Ron Thank you Meg for raising so a great man. Love you Steve. Every moment we had seems to be a fond memory. Thats who he was. Rest Easy Steve.

anthony February 3, 2009 (5:21 pm)

I just want to thank Steve for all the great times and great memories he has given to me and countless others. There was never a dull moment with Steve. He could bring joy and laughter to any situation and I was always happy to see him cuz I knew I was gonna have a good time if I was with my “bubu”. You are the best soccer player in all of West Seattle and I am honored to have played on your team. There will never be another like you. You had the biggest heart and you truly were the nicest man I have ever known. Words cannot describe how much you will be missed. I love you bubu. Rest in peace brother

Chris February 3, 2009 (6:27 pm)

I was deeply saddened after hearing what happened to Stevie. I knew him since he was a kid….his Mom and my Mom taught Sunday school together. He was always full of life and had a great smile whenever you saw him. He will be missed by all that knew him.

D February 10, 2009 (10:34 am)

Steve was a hell of a guy. I got to talk to Steve a couple days before he passed. About all the fun we had in the past, never a dull moment with him. So many memories. Rest In Peace… Never will he I forget. I am sorry for everyones loss.

Vera February 11, 2009 (7:27 pm)

When something as shattering as this happens we all greive in our own ways. We all feel the impact. It can bring out so much emotion.
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the family, friends and witnesses to this tragic event. There is really no reasonable excuse for such an occurence.
May Peace be with you.