Update: Two shot in South Delridge; police confirm one has died

(WSB photo by Tracy Record, looking west on Barton from 15th, toward 16th)
11:27 PM: Seattle Police and Fire have rushed to 15th/Barton (map) in South Delridge to check out an assault-with-weapons report. (Thanks to the person who tipped us via text.) Will update as we find out more.

11:31 PM UPDATE: According to radio traffic, this is a shooting. The victim is described as a 35-to-40-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest, found unconscious, and undergoing CPR. The victim is being rushed to Harborview Medical Center. No information so far on the circumstances or any suspect(s).

11:40 PM UPDATE: Also from radio communications, there is a second victim – a female, shot in the hand.

12:14 AM UPDATE: Police say via Twitter they’re still searching for suspect(s); no word of even a description. We’re just back from a quick visit to the vicinity – very foggy, didn’t get too close, but close enough to report that Barton is taped off at 15th (top photo), while police and a loud crowd are focused on 16th and Barton. 16th is blocked off there too, so if you need to travel north-south in that area, use Delridge or 15th.

(This photo and others below by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
12:26 AM UPDATE: Christopher Boffoli is now at the scene for WSB and reports that SPD rifle officers are keeping a high profile at the scene.

1:12 AM UPDATE: Christopher reports police are “expanding the crime scene to the auto and brake service center across the street from the house where the shooting apparently occurred … it looks like they found bullet damage in the building and a vehicle parked out front.”

5:13 AM UPDATE: Still no information on the victims’ conditions; police have had a busy night all over the city, but we expect an update on this at some point this morning.

9:38 AM UPDATE: This has finally appeared on SPD Blotter, though the item includes few details not already reported here:

Detectives are looking for a suspect(s) who shot two people late last night in West Seattle.

On 12/31/13, just shortly after 11:00 p.m., the victims were at a social event at victim 2’s residence in the 9200 block of 16 Av SW when a disturbance broke out and shots were fired.
Victim # 1, a man in his 40′s was shot twice in the torso and sustained life threatening injuries. V#2, a 33-yr-old female was shot in one of her hands. Both victims were transported to Harborview Medical Center and admitted.

Victim #1 was listed in critical condition.

Homicide, Gang Unit detectives and CSI responded and processed the scene. No suspect information available. The investigation continues.

12:04 PM UPDATE: According to the man’s family, he did not survive. That means this is West Seattle’s second homicide of 2013; the first was just two and a half weeks earlier, the killing of 46-year-old Nga Nguyen in her High Point residence – no arrest in that case yet either.

WEDNESDAY, 9:11 PM: Police also have now confirmed that the male victim died.

91 Replies to "Update: Two shot in South Delridge; police confirm one has died"

  • WilbeHonest December 31, 2013 (11:34 pm)

    Nice way to start the new year in White Center/West Seattle.

  • HP Gal December 31, 2013 (11:35 pm)

    How awful. Blessings to the victim and to his family.

  • Technoshaman December 31, 2013 (11:36 pm)

    Wow. Text tip before hearing it on the scanner? This neighbourhood is *on the ball*. Thanks for being here, WSB.

    • WSB December 31, 2013 (11:41 pm)

      Techno – We listen to the scanner as much as we can, and we have some excellent help, but in this case I missed the initial call; as soon as someone texted about lots of sirens in the area, I checked the live SFD 911 log and saw the “assault with weapons” call. This is why we REALLY appreciate tips, especially texts/voice, to make sure we don’t miss anything … 206-293-6302 any time – TR

  • miws December 31, 2013 (11:37 pm)

    Geeze, this is very near me.

    .

    Heard just the one siren after the initial call, (usually just E11) and checked the SFD 911 Log, and saw the Assault/7.

    .

    There’s been the occasional fireworks going off for probably over an hour now, so a gunshot sounding would have blended right in.

    .

    Mike

  • alki resident December 31, 2013 (11:49 pm)

    Just passed the medic rushing to the hospital. Medic was pumping him hard in back of ambulance. Guns are drawn everywhere,do not go around there ,it is a horrible scene. Every cop and undercover and probably gang unit imaginable is there. obviously shooter is around but god knows where, lots of black men scattered heading towards white center on foot ,on cell phones and what not.
    This is so unreal and not where we should be.
    I dread fourth of HJuly and new Years anymore and stay home because fireworks and gun shots ring out and sometimes hard to decipher.

  • WTF December 31, 2013 (11:50 pm)

    Nice to read the PsOS are alive and well as we ring in a new year. Pathetic. Simply pathetic.

  • alki resident December 31, 2013 (11:51 pm)

    WSB- I highly recommend you don’t go out there tonite,its dangerous not knowing where shooter is. he might catch someone off guard and it’s foggy which doesn’t help.

  • Ms_K December 31, 2013 (11:52 pm)

    I live exactly a block away and I *thought* I heard this but there are so many fireworks going off. I’m a little freaked, to say the least. I hear/d tons of sirens. What’s the status on suspects?

  • Delridge Chick December 31, 2013 (11:52 pm)

    Is it bad that anytime I see or hear a lot of emergency sirens, I immediately think of WSB? :) It’s because they are so reliable, that I know they’ll get the answer to what is going on! One of the most valuable community resources I’ve ever seen. Thanks TR and the rest of your crew!

    Scary/sad about the shootings…miws is right about the fireworks going off around here. I wouldn’t have even noticed. Makes me think twice about taking the pups out for a last minute break before bed without knowing the reasoning for the shootings. Hope the victims come through ok.

  • miws December 31, 2013 (11:53 pm)

    That’s weird, as I only noticed one siren around the time of the original call-out, and then one more several minutes later, so I assumed all the other units, SFD/SPD rolled silent.

    .

    Maybe they went silent several blocks before arriving,

    .

    Mike

    • WSB January 1, 2014 (12:14 am)

      Thanks for concern – I had to go, usually co-publisher goes to breaking news but he is not feeling well and went to bed early. I just checked it out from the taped-off side of Barton at 15th; police and a crowd are gathered at 16th/Barton. Christopher has since gone and reports he’s there with two TV photographers (there was one at 15th when I was there). Will update the story but still no word on any suspects, not even a description – TR

  • Delridge Chick January 1, 2014 (12:18 am)

    Maybe, Mike…but they certainly left the police station in full force! I live just south of the police station on Delridge (Delridge/Holden), and it was the multitude of sirens going by for several minutes that alerted me to text WSB about it. Seriously heard about 10 different sirens go by…knew something bad was up!

    Sounds scary out there, alki resident!

  • Panther January 1, 2014 (12:29 am)

    Heard gunshots, thought/hoped it was fireworks.
    I hope that man makes it – from the description….

    Happy New Year, my friends, and may the year be a better one!

  • Cha-le January 1, 2014 (12:32 am)

    Wow. Thats 1/2 block away. Guess that wasn’t fireworks. This intersection has gotten really sketchy in the last couple months. The construction on delridge moved the crack deals a block or 2 east. Can we get SPD to beef up patrols? Aside from the 2 big Apt buildings on 17th & Barton, most of us are homeowners. The real estate crash is over- let the gentrification proceed, please.

  • Ms_K January 1, 2014 (12:41 am)

    So with you on beefing up police presence around here, ChaLe! I live about the same distance as you from the shooting. It’s super sketchy. What can we do?!

  • miws January 1, 2014 (12:44 am)

    That makes sense then, Delridge Chick. They probably did go silent several blocks away from the scene.

    .

    I’m glad the other reader texted, since I only heard that one siren, I didn’t think much of it, even after seeing the Assault/7 call, so didn’t contact WSB myself.

    .

    If I would have heard a zillion sirens, including SPD which are pretty much distinguishable from SFD, then I likely would have texted.

    .

    Mike

  • miws January 1, 2014 (12:48 am)

    I should also mention, that I am below street level at 16th, so can’t simply peek out the window to se what’s going on, plus my windows face north/south. I didn’t even realize how foggy it was in my neighborhood until I saw the above pic!

    .

    Mike

  • miws January 1, 2014 (12:53 am)

    There is/was a 17th Av block-watch, at least between Barton/Henderson, IIRC. The meetings I got “invited” to earlier in the (now last ;-) ) year, always seemed to coincide with something else, so I couldn’t attend.

    .

    I haven’t received anything from them for some time, maybe someone that was more directly involved that might be reading this could weigh in?

    .

    They participated in the “Night Out” last August, but I was dog-sitting for a friend near Westwood, so couldn’t attend.

  • Darryll January 1, 2014 (12:54 am)

    +1 Cha-Le. I’d like to see more SPD actually get out of their cars and patrol this area too. The obvious gang banging losers doing their business in our neighborhood are feeling too safe here. Time to change this.

  • Danielle January 1, 2014 (12:55 am)

    “Let the gentrification proceed please” cha-le?? Do you know how horribly ignorant that sounds??

  • Ms_K January 1, 2014 (12:59 am)

    We have a block watch over here on 14th between Barton/Henderson. I will chat with my block watch leader. Also my neighbor on the corner of 14 and Barton has CCTV outside. I wonder if that might help the police?

  • Darryll January 1, 2014 (1:02 am)

    Miss,

    There are at least 3 active blockwatch groups in the several blocks around 15th and Barton. Let me know if you’d like me to get you in touch with any of them.

  • Jenn January 1, 2014 (1:09 am)

    This took place right outside my house… I heard what sounded like ‘odd’ fireworks so , I went to see what it was I saw two men running while crossing 16th. I then saw a red SUV or Jeep speed out of the Salvation Army right before the sirens… Hard to say if the guys jumped in the SUV or if it was just a bystander fleeing quickly from the scene out of fear.. So scary.

    • WSB January 1, 2014 (2:15 am)

      Jenn – I hope you have already shared that information with police? Still no info about suspects and the investigation is very active, so even if you share it by calling rather than talking to an officer in person, it could be helpful. – Tracy

  • alki resident January 1, 2014 (1:13 am)

    Ive been in West Seattle since I was a young child. I raised my kids here and still do. Instead of being home relaxing on New Years, my family and I are discussing how things have changed here.
    I think we are going to start the new year in a different direction and finally move away from here. So far two unsolved murders, my truck was stolen, unsolved child rape, shady people taking over Westwood, gangs are taking over and we don’t feel safe anymore. My infant grandchild will not be able to be brought up here like I was which is a damn shame because it used to be such a great place to raise kids.
    Tonites shooting though didn’t impact my family directly, impacted us enough to know it’s no longer safe.
    Being out earlier tonite, I saw cops driving around everywhere we were. Beefing up security for the holiday,I get it, but it was more than that. I felt uneasy because something was probably going to go down like it usually does on a night with fireworks,WHY? Because they resemble the sound of gun shots.
    Im sad and Im over it, I need to feel safe, I need to know my kids are safe. I couldn’t live with myself knowing I couldn’t protect them even though they’re mostly grown.

  • miker January 1, 2014 (1:15 am)

    Hi neighbors this is horrible news. There is a block watch, we represent multiple blocks around Barton and 16th. We use a Google group to communicate meetings.

    https://groups.google.com/forum/m/#!forum/swhighlandparkbw

    A bunch of neighbors are also on nextdoor.com

    We’re trying to meet quarterly with a meeting due early February.

  • ScubaFrog January 1, 2014 (1:30 am)

    Prayers and best wishes to the victims and their families. A sad way to start 2014.

  • WSEA January 1, 2014 (1:40 am)

    That’s not White Center, that’s Highland Park.

  • Mb January 1, 2014 (1:56 am)

    I pray someone responsible is found. Too many people getting away with this stuff. Does 711 or the corner gas station or even tow company have any cameras?

  • Jennifer January 1, 2014 (2:33 am)

    Yep I called 911 to report what I saw and heard. I actually tried to go outside to share the info w the cops but, the armed SPD screamed for me to get back in the house immediately. At that point I knew it was serious.

  • VanillaGorilla January 1, 2014 (2:58 am)

    salvation army has numerous cameras along with a whole bunch of other shops along 16th and that traditions building across the street has them too…should be real easy to pick something up on film in this area!!!

  • Jasmine January 1, 2014 (3:20 am)

    Sooooo, no helicopter or serious searching procedures for this incident like the previous car theft incident?

    • WSB January 1, 2014 (3:44 am)

      This is not even remotely helicopter weather. I’ve been to the scene twice since midnight and visibility could be measured in yards. As for serious searching, yes, they flooded the zone.

  • JanS January 1, 2014 (4:50 am)

    I have been in West Seattle going on 39 years. It is no less safe than any other part of town. Crime has always happened. We just didn’t have the quick communication that we have now via the internet. Other parts of town have crime, too. Ballard, Shoreline, Wallingford, Capitol Hill, Madison Parl, Fremont, Queen Anne. You name it, there are robberies, murders, car prowls, just like here. No place is immune. Alki Resident, I’m sorry you feel that way.I hope you find a part of town that you feel safe in.

  • Judy A January 1, 2014 (6:49 am)

    Gun shot wounds to chest.. Doesn’t sound good.. Hope victim pulls through

  • Alyce January 1, 2014 (7:39 am)

    Unfortunately I know this young man’s entire family. They’re like my extended family and I’ve just received a call that he has transitioned. So sad. My heart is aching. There needs to be more compassion for another human being. Just my opinion.

  • Amie M January 1, 2014 (7:55 am)

    You said this happened at 15th and Barton, then later you report that the investigation has expanded “across the street” to the auto shop. I live at 17th and Barton and there is no auto shop at 15th and Barton. The only auto shop in the area is at 16th and Cambridge. At 15th and Barton there is a church on one corner, an apartment complex on one, and residences on the other two. So was this shooting really at 15th and Barton, or somewhere else?

  • Joe Szilagyi January 1, 2014 (8:14 am)

    Statistically Seattle remains one of the safest cities of it’s size in North America by a very, very long statistical margin. Unless you move to the deep suburbs it’s not going to make a huge difference.

  • DH January 1, 2014 (8:19 am)

    I agree with JanS. I’ve only been in WS for about 13 years and I think the awareness of crime due to technology has really changed over time. I, too, am sorry that anyone feels so unsafe in WS that they are inclined to move. I do wonder where that “safe” place that would be. We are all aware of the issues of living in the city but even suburban and rural areas have plenty of crimes.

  • WHARF January 1, 2014 (8:26 am)

    To the people who consistently comment about how West Seattle “isn’t what it used to be” and is unsafe, and uneasy, where do you propose to move?! I’m just curious. Because, Seattle is a major city. Every neighborhood has crime, just like the rest. You think Capitol Hill is safe and sound?

    I don’t ever feel unsafe here, and I’m thankful that we have such a vigilant community in the West Seattle Blog to keep tabs on what’s happening in this vibrant community.

    Crime comes with living in any city. I personally don’t think it’s fair to knock West Seattle for being a major metropolitan neighborhood.

  • AmandaKH January 1, 2014 (8:33 am)

    Hi Neighbors – So awesome to hear of the multiple block watches in the neighborhood! Since this is Highland Park, there is also HPAC (Highland Park Action Committee), and the Crime Prevention Council. In this year of volunteering, I have heard over and over that the “City/County/State doesn’t have enough money”. I heard that from Parks, King County Sheriffs, SPD, Metro, Rasmussen and from Joe Fitzgibbon (State Rep). I am hoping that in 2014, our electeds can figure out a way to fully fund the things that government is there for. Not having enough police to enforce the laws, not having enough money to help people with mental illness and not having enough money to move people around this city is unacceptable. I’ve never understood why it takes people dying to get the minimal attention of the people elected to represent us, but they can rush to pull a special session to give a corporation billions of dollars in tax breaks. IMO – their priorities are skewed big time.

  • alki resident January 1, 2014 (8:43 am)

    Jans- You named all the areas around Seattle. Its not about being immune,its about being caught in crossfire someday. The internet has nothing to do with it. Don’t care if you’ve been here 60 yrs. and feel bullet proof, my family lives in gang territory, a war zone, thug life styles. Game over,moving to peaceful territory where we can enjoy life and not have all this drama.

  • Mike January 1, 2014 (9:40 am)

    Sad way to start the new year. JanS has a point. Overall, West Seattle has lower crime rates than many other areas of Seattle, especially the CD. The area this event happened typically has a much higher crime rate (and more violent) than north and west of Delridge and 35th Ave SW though. It’s not new, the area has been notorious for gang activity since I can remember. Back in the early 90s before you had blogs and texting, you could watch the news media report on gang activity along this same area, as well as Rainier Beach and in and around the CD.
    .
    As to the comment about gentrification, you’ll only move out one type of crime and bring in another. Don’t think for one minute that people with higher incomes are any less shady, they just have better lawyers.

    • WSB January 1, 2014 (10:10 am)

      SPD has finally published an official item on this to SPD Blotter, after what has been an incredibly busy night around the city – while working until after 6 am, I heard so many major incidents, it was mindboggling. This was the only major incident on our side of the bay. I have added the text above. Not much new from what we already had reported by 1 am. Re: the ensuing discussion here, a couple things:
      .
      To the person who asked about location, I’m sorry, that is how Christopher described it, and he got closer to the actual scene than I did. I have not been back yet this morning. As I wrote above, it was initially dispatched as 15th/Barton and so the address remained on the 911 log (see 11:11 pm dispatch on that archived log). When I got there the first time, the tape (top photo) was across Barton on the west side of 15th but the police and activity were a block west at 16th/Barton.
      .
      To the person who says the family reports the male victim has died – I just followed up with SPD Media Relations’ Det. Renée Witt and she says the newest information Homicide (which investigates non-fatal but major-injuries incidents as well as actual homicides) had was “critical condition” but acknowledges that might not be up-to-minute info. I can’t check with the hospital without a name and given that it’s a major holiday I don’t know if even a name would help.
      .
      Regarding the geographical area, please note, as we have said before over and over and over and over and over again: Crime can and does happen anywhere. The old east-is-worse-than-west West Seattle stereotypes are not valid. 2012’s two murders happened on Beach Drive and in Morgan Junction. In 2010-2011, Fauntleroy, Fauntlee Hills and (location of actual killing unknown but victim last seen in) Admiral, plus an Admiral murder-suicide. The murder in High Point earlier this month (2013’s only murder in West Seattle unless this does turn out to have been fatal) was the first one in more than three years east of California SW, since the Roxhill Park murder and the Highland Park/South Delridge murder-suicide in fall 2010.
      .
      If you want to do a spot check of here vs. other areas of the city, you can use the SPD map, which at any time defaults to the most recent week or so.
      .
      TR

  • heather January 1, 2014 (9:54 am)

    “Alki Resident” I was saddened to read your post. I believe the increase in crime is due to gang activity – aggravated by the huge wall of busses at Westwood. But West Seattle has responded…as a community. Our community has organized the WS Transit Group which is both working with neighbors and local leaders and our local police precinct has been able to put more efforts ($$$) toward manpower to neutralize gang activity. These things take some time. On an individual level I see neighbors walking more, introducing themselves, getting to know each other and becoming more active in their communities. I see bee gardens, pea patches, play grounds and an increased use of sporting venues, all as signs of community involvement. This is how a healthy community responds to an upsurge in crime.

  • Shannon January 1, 2014 (10:12 am)

    Praying that is not one of the guys from the auto shop… Known them over 20 years and hoping I will see them all in 2014…. Sad!

  • FionaEnzo January 1, 2014 (10:17 am)

    Alki, you may indeed be in the thick of it — don’t blame you for being stressed. We had a drug house slowly evolve from one elderly woman renter — they took over. Now that it’s over, would love to see on time lapse photography as more and more people and vehicles piled on. But neighbors worked with police and eventually the water and power were turned off and they were forced out.
    But that was one blight in an otherwise healthy neighborhood (still frightening as you never knew what would happen and there were people chasing people and screaming at various times). More than this single ongoing stressor would have made me move elsewhere. Just did not feel safe during those many months.
    If you have scary neighbors or are constantly confronted by potentially dangerous people — you should move.
    But “in general” (I do not doubt that you may be in an especially unsafe location.) I don’t think West Seattle is more dangerous than other Seattle areas. And we all need to be vigilant to hold the line against the inevitable percentage of any population that will be involved in criminal activity.

  • miker January 1, 2014 (10:22 am)

    Amie, there is an auto shop on the south east side of 16th and barton. It looks like it was once a gas station.

  • miker January 1, 2014 (10:25 am)

    Jenn, did they run to the north or south salvation army lot?

  • WTF January 1, 2014 (10:47 am)

    Sorry folks but gentrification saved the east side of 35th from self-annihilation and the extinction of law abiding citizens. It’s a very bitter pill to swallow, but if you lived anywhere near there 10-15-20 years ago you’ve seen the huge positive change.
    There are happy mediums, as we all don’t have the same income and I think there are several choices for those w/varying incomes to live here safely & within their means. When you choose not to earn your way, you will eventually be pushed out. So, stop pulling the ignorance, race, rich-against-poor card and work toward that solution. Something has got to be done, or we’re right back where we were when it wasn’t safe to drive north on Delridge to the WS bridge in broad daylight.

  • sophista-tiki January 1, 2014 (11:05 am)

    I heard all the sirens clearover here by Westwood. even through the nonstop M 80’s my jackass neigbor shoots off on a regular basis.

  • Mike January 1, 2014 (11:25 am)

    WSB, how far south and east does SPD actually patrol and is within their jurisdiction vs. King County sheriffs office? Looking at the SPD crime map and it cuts off right around White Center for a 3 month span of most all crimes reported/responded to by SPD.

    • WSB January 1, 2014 (11:34 am)

      SPD is responsible within city limits. You can see the line very clearly on the map. Outside city limits, KCSO. If you zoom in, you can see the purple dotted line. I see there is one icon outside city limits – a warrant arrest, and agencies certainly turn up outside their jurisdictions making warrant arrests sometimes. Also there is sometimes mutual aid – as you probably know from some stories we’ve covered, KCSO has followed some suspects across the line into WS and vice versa.

  • Ms_K January 1, 2014 (11:26 am)

    I haven’t lived in this area (border of WS/SC) for long enough but I wonder how incorporating WS could help this area? I know that it is likely a long storied history and presents problems for both cities (Burien/Seattle) to even consider it. That said, I really feel like White Center being unincorporated doesn’t help.

  • TJ January 1, 2014 (11:39 am)

    Sorry to say folks, but the male victim did not pull through. I’m not a Seattle resident, I’m his cousin from the East Coast. I just got the news this morning. Please be safe out there folks.

    • WSB January 1, 2014 (12:08 pm)

      TJ – we are sorry to hear that. Thank you for confirming. – Tracy

  • Mike January 1, 2014 (11:51 am)

    Ms_K it could help, but there also needs to be more funding for SPD to make it help if the south end just north of Burien is to be incorporated as part of the city of Seattle.
    .
    The King Co Sheriffs report on crime only depicts by city and since they don’t report on Seattle crime as part of their data report it’s pretty difficult to calculate the crime rate in the unincorporated area.
    .
    There are independent crime data sites out there, I’m uncertain how accurate the data is as I don’t know how they exactly gather data, but you can get an idea of various crime rates on a map by visiting https://www.crimereports.com/ . Determine for yourself where violent crime happens more often.

  • CJ January 1, 2014 (12:12 pm)

    Such a senseless act of crime! So sorry for Denise and her family!!! Your in prayers today and always!

  • BH January 1, 2014 (12:24 pm)

    WTF –

    You are correct on all counts.

  • Melissa January 1, 2014 (1:11 pm)

    Ms K and Cha- SPD also has Living Room Conversations where the community policing officer and a patrol officer come and have a meeting with you and 10 to 15 of your neighbors. My neighbors and I did it and found it very informative. Right now Officer Flores is our Community Policing officer. You can reach him through the SW precinct.
    The reports of narcotics activity on 16th doesn’t surprise me. I’ve seen suspicious activity by people in cars but haven’t seen any exchanges. Is there any particular vehicle I should be looking for?

  • AJ January 1, 2014 (1:51 pm)

    Darryl and Ms. K…my roommate and I just moved to a home on 15th near Cambridge and I am interested in the neighborhood watch group. How do I get in touch?

  • Josh January 1, 2014 (2:55 pm)

    From all the posts/comments here, I think it’s nice that so many West Seattle blog readers are in the Westwood/White Center/Highland Park area too. It shows how we are all one peninsula– North Admiral and Westwood, we’re kinda all in the same boat! Thanks WSB for great reporting!

    • WSB January 1, 2014 (3:08 pm)

      Thanks, Josh – it has always been one West Seattle, one peninsula (despite the city’s division into “Delridge” and “Southwest” districts for some purposes), and we have been pretty adamant about that. Yes, the original “West Seattle” was a relatively small area in the north. That was then, this is now. If you’re west of the Duwamish River, north of the city limits, east/south of Puget Sound/Elliott Bay, you’re in West Seattle. That’s not even such a new assertion – from http://www.historylink.org/cybertour/PDF/1907WestSeattle.pdf
      .
      “A flurry of real-estate activity and home building followed, and on May 25, 1907, the three communities voted to join the city of West Seattle with the promise of further annexation to the city of Seattle. West Seattle now comprised the entire West Seattle Peninsula covering 16.34 square miles from the Duwamish Head to the north, Puget Sound to the west, Elliott Bay and the Duwamish River to the east, and South Park and what is now SW Roxbury Street to the south. On June 29, 1907, West Seattle residents voted overwhelmingly, 325 for and 8 against, to join the city of Seattle.”
      .

  • Neighbor January 1, 2014 (2:56 pm)

    If this place is among the “safest” is that okay for most folks? Even if it is the same in most places – like we aren’t exceptionally unsafe or dangerous – is this ok for you? I don’t like it one bit that a 1/2 head covered stocking fool got on the bus and robbed people. Perception is a strong determinative factor for most people. This level of safe is not good enough for me and I think it’s a shame that the police can’t or won’t do better for us. I won’t say I’ll move away because for one thing i don’t think that’s the answer and for another thing where do you go? (The more motivating factor to move would be traffic.) I also agree with the comment “…the rich aren’t any better they just have better lawyers…”

  • Jenn January 1, 2014 (3:03 pm)

    I noticed them running toward the auto shop on 16th and Barton (East) so, it seems unlikely that they were involved in the actual shooting but, I found it suspicious that they were seemingly running toward 15th. But due to fog and limited scope (I can’t see the auto repair shop from my house) I can only say they were running toward that direction.

  • datamuse January 1, 2014 (3:17 pm)

    If this place is among the “safest” is that okay for most folks?
    .
    Of course not. But if it rains I get an umbrella, I don’t go around insisting that the sky is falling.
    .
    I grew up in what was, at the time, the homicide capital of the U.S. It’s much better now, because the people who live there have worked to make it better. I have mad respect for groups like HPIC and the group working to improve the situation at Roxhill Park.
    .
    I’ve lived in Highland Park for 15 years. It’s improved considerably in that time. Certainly that’s not an argument for finding violence and property crime acceptable, but it’d be a very strange reason to give up on the neighborhood.

  • neighbor January 1, 2014 (3:48 pm)

    I would venture to say that for 1 family and their friends, the sky did fall today. I don’t have any suggestions, but just my perspective to share. This isn’t rain, but bullets and gun.

  • Jenn January 1, 2014 (3:59 pm)

    I’m so sorry for your loss TJ. My thoughts and prayers are with you and you family

  • smokeycretin9 January 1, 2014 (5:25 pm)

    maybe we need to reach out to the new mayor asap?

    At least he isn’t driven on giving away the city’s resources to the bicycle community. yet

  • Kira January 1, 2014 (7:05 pm)

    Daryll I hope you read this. I am the cousin of the man that was killed. He was a father of four girls who loved him very much. He was a hardworking man. So please, before you judge him. Prayer for his family.

  • ~HockeyWitch~ January 1, 2014 (7:59 pm)

    I just found out a few hours ago that the man who was killed, Stephen, is my neighbor’s son. She had to bury her other son after he was also murdered. My heart and thoughts go out to her and her family. Can’t even be safe celebrating the new year. He was a Husband and a father. RIP Stevie.

  • Born, raised and still in WS January 1, 2014 (9:24 pm)

    So sad. Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of the victim. Thank you TJ and Kira for posting during this difficult time.

  • Darryll January 1, 2014 (10:52 pm)

    Kira –

    I’m sorry for your loss, for the loss of your cousin, and for his four children. I’m also sorry if my post came across as negative toward him personally. That was not at all what I wanted to convey; I’m saddened by this senseless loss of life. I have a young child of my own and would never want to leave him alone so early in life. I feel so bad for your cousin’s children and his family.

    What I do want to say is that the gang mindset and the people who bring it into this area are not welcome here. There are never happy endings when people have no basic respect for fellow human beings. Unfortunately, this area is currently host to open drug dealing, regular strong arm robberies, drug abuse and general disrespectful, prison-life attitudes. Seeing this happen right off of my doorstep worries me about the life my son will have if we stay here.

    I grew up poor and lived in bad areas my entire childhood. I witnessed a lot of senseless violence and generally disrespectful behavior, too. But I made a choice early on to steer clear of hateful and fearful people (like the man who did this horrible thing ), and I refuse to buy into the so-called poverty mindset.

    My goal is to do whatever I can do to keep these kinds of people far away from my home, or to move somewhere where this kind of thing is the exception, not the rule. I hope our community can pull together soon and start working together to make this place better for everyone.

    • WSB January 1, 2014 (10:56 pm)

      Another note – pending a separate story about this – a Facebook page seeking information and reward money has emerged:
      .
      https://www.facebook.com/pages/White-Center-Shooting-New-Years-Eve/252114534953042
      .
      I haven’t made contact yet with its organizers but am messaging them. The link was not sent to us, but I spotted an indirect mention by a “Facebook friend.” Noting it here for starters. It quotes family of the victim as identifying him, and includes photos. If anyone involved with the page sees this comment, please consider contacting us at editor@westseattleblog.com – TR

  • Darryll January 1, 2014 (10:58 pm)

    AJ (comment # 1186108) – I’m hoping that the WSB comments moderator can pass you my email address to get in touch. I’d be happy to help you connect with the block watch groups in our area.

  • Jesse January 1, 2014 (11:13 pm)

    I’m really sorry to hear that there was fatality here in the neighborhood and I hope they find the suspects soon. This occurred two blocks away from me so I know the area well from my routine walks to Company, Walgreens and Proletariat; day or night, I’ve never had any issues with anyone.

    Sadly, last night my partner saw the fire trucks racing down the street and said, “it wouldn’t be New Year’s Eve without a shooting around here.”

  • JoAnne January 2, 2014 (6:31 am)

    So we natives are supposed to be happy to have several murders per year because there are many more murders per year in Chicago or somewhere else?
    .
    Our family has been here for 5 generations, and alki resident is correct. It is no longer safe for young or old here. We in the process of moving everyone out.
    .
    So I guess the liberal hug-a-thugs can be happy. You won.

  • JR January 2, 2014 (7:46 am)

    This makes me so sad. I love this neighborhood and I feel we all need to take it back. My condolences to the family of the victim.

  • Valerie January 2, 2014 (9:53 am)

    Just my thoughts, but I don’t think this is a liberal vs. conservative argument. Sure non-perfect political methods have been tried to “fix” the crime situation but sometimes a piecemeal effort works on the exterior of problems without solving the whole effort. Perhaps we need a West Seattle community wide block watch. I don’t have answers but the recent WS transporation coalition seems to at least have started something good in the community via a discussion. I would like to suggest having a place where parents with children on the edge or in trouble can discuss and problem solve with the community without threat of arrest. I would volunteer my time to staff such a place. I do not have credentials to treat or counsel though but would like to help in some way. Thoughts?

  • Community Member January 2, 2014 (11:19 am)

    JoAnne, I don’t believe anyone is saying that you “are supposed to be happy” with or accept any level of violence or murder. Posters object to statements such as your claim “It is no longer safe” because you seem to be claiming that the area used to have no violence, and you seem to believe that you are moving to somewhere with no violence.
    .
    Actual crime data – real numbers, not feelings – provides information that overall West Seattle is not actually less safe than before, or less safe in general than other cities. It might feel less safe now than it felt before because particular blocks have problems, and/or because there is more thorough local news coverage. Or you might not realize that suburbs such as Issaquah, Redmond, etc, also experience violence and crime, simply because you don’t read their local news coverage.
    .
    Any location can have a problem, and wherever you live you can participate in efforts such as Block Watch to reduce crime.
    The Salvation Army has a neighborhood site in Bellevue, too.

  • Jason January 2, 2014 (11:35 am)

    I agree this isn’t liberal vs. conservative but naturally we all want something/someone to blame.
    It’s very sad that this man was killed, my thoughts are certainly with his children and other family members right now.

  • Jayne January 2, 2014 (12:10 pm)

    Nobody actually thinks this is a liberal vs conservative issue, the person who posts as “JoAnne” has been dropping that brainwash rhetoric in the comments section of this blog for years. Move along, nothing to see here, no need for further troll buffets.

  • gina January 2, 2014 (1:20 pm)

    What I’ve been reading elsewhere is that this was a private party at a home, not a random event on the street. Someone with a gun could show up in any neighborhood at a party, and after a few drinks, good sense tends to vanish, innocents get hurt.

  • JoAnne January 2, 2014 (5:31 pm)

    Actually it is very much a political issue.
    .
    Criminals are bad, not stupid. They support the politicians who give them a slap on the wrist, early release, and free stuff.
    .
    In turn, people who get those votes are the ones turning our neighborhoods into urban ghettos so that more and more criminals will come here.
    .
    It’s just like the answer to everything else…follow the money.

  • G January 2, 2014 (5:44 pm)

    Actually, Seattle is well above average for property crime which include burglaries. On the west coast higher than Portland, San Francisco, LA, and Sand Diego, to name a few. Burglaries may not qualify as “violent” crime, but try telling that to someone who’s experienced it – very frightening.

    I don’t understand the reflexive desire to downplay crime here. Sure, we know that crime happens, but I find it very peculiar that the first reaction is rationalize it. Very odd, and provincial too.

  • Jeffrey January 2, 2014 (10:15 pm)

    Crime statistics are only as good as the quality of the data capture. This is true with any data set.

    This definitely is not a political issue. It’s a policy issue. It’s the collective you who have directly or indirectly voted for the prevailing policies though no one steps forward to the altar of accountability. Instead there is the usual bitching and finger-pointing.

    The circus is always in town.

    Oh look, clowns.

  • alkigirl January 3, 2014 (11:04 am)

    Seems most everyone here has lost the reason for this post. Stop all the crying about the crime, politics, unsafe neighborhoods, drug dealers, and whatever else most of you are whining about. I too, am a 4th generation West Seattleite (Alki Beach) and also have a grown daughter who is 5th generation. Yes, things have changed in W.S. over the years, as far as crime goes….but it is the same all over the country. Try and remember the point here, on this blog, right now…..is a young man has died, and his family is grieving. Please remember that, and pray for the family to find comfort and healing. Please stop complaining about “crime, fear, guns, gangs, drugs…blah, blah, blah” and show some compassion for the loss of a son, father, husband and friend to those who are feeling the pain of his murder. Focus people. Good Lord. We can all complain about how things are not the same, not safe, whatever. Leave that for another blog. This one is for a man who has lost his life, and leaves behind his grieving family. Denise, I am praying for comfort, peace, and love, for you and your loved ones.

  • miws January 3, 2014 (1:43 pm)

    Well put, alkigirl….

    .

    Mike

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