UPDATE: Police investigating deadly stabbing at 16th/Cambridge

(WSB photos)

9:53 PM: Police are converging on the vicinity of 16th and Cambridge, where someone is reported – per radio communication – to have been found stabbed to death. No one’s in custody so far.

10:02 PM: The Guardian One helicopter is joining the search, as is at least one Seattle Police K9 team.

10:11 PM: SFD at the scene confirms to our crew that the victim is dead and male.

10:25 PM: This is the third homicide case of the year in West Seattle, after the June stabbing of Jonathan Pecina on Alki Avenue SW and the May 8th shooting of Lorenzo Marr at West Seattle Stadium. No arrests reported in either of those cases.

10:44 PM: We’ve added photos from the scene. Still no one in custody. We asked police about the circumstances of the original call on this – they say it was phoned in to 911 as someone down in the street, and they arrived before SFD, to discover the person was dead.

SATURDAY MORNING, 9:23 AM: Just saw SW Precinct Operations Lt. Steve Strand in the staging zone for the Grand Parade and asked him if there had been an arrest overnight. Answer: No.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON: A summary is now on SPD Blotter but the only information not already reported here is that the victim was 34 years old. If you have information, you’re asked to call SPD’s tip line at 206-233-5000.

63 Replies to "UPDATE: Police investigating deadly stabbing at 16th/Cambridge"

  • JCW July 20, 2018 (10:03 pm)

    Helicoptor overhead now too. Sounds like a huge response from several blocks west. 

  • CM July 20, 2018 (10:06 pm)

    We’re at 35th and Cambridge and can hear a helicopter. Hope they catch them soon. But for now everyone in the area please lock your doors and windows. 

  • Wow July 20, 2018 (10:09 pm)

    Wow so close to home. Stabbed to death? Hope they catch the person. Definitely don’t want someone like that roaming around here.

    • WSB July 20, 2018 (10:11 pm)

      Our crew has just arrived and has verified that the victim is dead. And male.

      • Wow July 20, 2018 (10:24 pm)

        That’s unfortunate. I hope it wasn’t some random encounter.

  • Lmb July 20, 2018 (10:12 pm)

    Two helicopters and lots of sirens. Watching from my window 35th / Roxbury. 

    • WSB July 20, 2018 (10:16 pm)

      One helicopter. That’s all the area has. If you are seeing a second one, it’s something private passing by. As for sirens, you’ll hear some right now because of an unrelated fire alarm at Daystar by Westwood Village, which has just been canceled.

      • Lmb July 20, 2018 (10:19 pm)

        Thank you. I hope all our first responders / officers  stay safe and responsible person is found. 

  • SW July 20, 2018 (10:16 pm)

    Stay safe! As a single person, (with no car at that) it’s scary as heck. Please care for your neighbors. 

  • AB July 20, 2018 (10:20 pm)

    There are three circling white lights in the sky that converge to the same spot seemingly over that area.  Is this from the response team?

    • Tyler July 20, 2018 (11:04 pm)

      Those lights in the sky are coming from the Jubilee Days Carnival, over at White Center Heights Elementary. There was supposedly a block party just a block south, according to whitecenternow.com.

      • WSB July 20, 2018 (11:18 pm)

        Thanks. I was working on adding pix from tonight to WCN in fact when this happened. Our crew was there before it got dark, though, so didn’t see spotlights. Meantime, at this point we’re not likely to get more info any time soon – our crew exhausted the possibilities at the scene.

    • Neighbor6 July 20, 2018 (11:06 pm)

      I think the 3 lights reflecting off the clouds is something related to Jubilee Days celebrations… usually helicopters lights shine down not upward and circling. 

    • Jen July 20, 2018 (11:11 pm)

      I think you’re seeing spotlights from the ground, possibly related to jubilee days or some other type of festival? I see them, too, but think they’re unrelated. 

  • nachobeaver July 20, 2018 (10:21 pm)

    just drove through it caos stay away!!

  • Nmg July 20, 2018 (10:23 pm)

    At 17th & Barton. Watching helicopter circle over head & keeping an eye on the abandoned house next door. No motion lights set off yet. Stay safe everyone!

  • Nick July 20, 2018 (10:28 pm)

    Yup heard the sirens then guardian one so i knew it was probably something serious. That intersection is seriously a murder hotspot I’ve lived here for quite sometime. I almost knew by the response it was most likely a fatal or serious incident. Chopper still in the area so the person might be running around still if on foot. 

  • Acz July 20, 2018 (10:31 pm)

    On 26th, I just heard a gunshot not sure if it’s related 

    • CM July 20, 2018 (10:41 pm)

      I heard what sounded like a gunshot too, and I’m near 35th. Thought I was just hearing things but I’m glad you heard it too. 

  • Here July 20, 2018 (10:34 pm)

    Sounds like the helicopter left a couple minutes ago.  I’d like to think it’s because they found someone, but I don’t think that’s it (I live two blocks from this scene).  Hope they do learn more about the crime and find the person/people responsible.

    • WSB July 20, 2018 (10:39 pm)

      No, there is no one in custody.

  • m July 20, 2018 (10:35 pm)

    Thank you, WSB, for reporting this so quickly. Just arrived home in the vicinity shortly after this happened and immediately came to you for information about it. 

  • Jodi S July 20, 2018 (10:44 pm)

    Thank you for reporting this. I am so upset that there were at least 2 helicopters and lights over my home on 15th and Cambridge/Barton. We are all locked up. No activity at this moment. Still very dis-concerning. 

    • WSB July 20, 2018 (11:00 pm)

      Again to clarify, there is only one law-enforcement helicopter, Guardian One. TV helicopters don’t work at this hour except on special occasions like July 4th/New Year’s fireworks broadcasts. There are Flight for Life helicopters that pass over this area late at night but that would be unrelated.Our crew at the scene also verified it was G-1. Of course, just as scary. It’s since left the scene and the search has ramped down – police had little to go on in the first place – but the investigation continues.

      • Tyler July 20, 2018 (11:07 pm)

        I am one block away, and I also heard what sounded like two helicopters. 

  • Ger July 20, 2018 (10:55 pm)

    Wonder if the public should be concerned for their safety? I live two blocks away and will be staying inside until we know more…

  • m July 20, 2018 (11:31 pm)

    Sounds like Guardian One is back in the area again. 

    • WSB July 20, 2018 (11:57 pm)

      Someone texted to say that but it didn’t appear on FlightRadar (the tracker we use when not within earshot) nor on scanner.I did see a Flight for Life chopper passing by…

      • m July 20, 2018 (11:59 pm)

        It’s still circling. Has been back for the past half hour. 

  • Bradley July 20, 2018 (11:41 pm)

    Is it any wonder why so many law-abiding West Seattle residents are getting licenses to carry concealed firearms these days? The rapid increase in stabbings in our neck of Seattle is very alarming, as stabbing wounds are oftentimes more fatal than gunshot wounds. Stay safe out there, people.

    • T July 21, 2018 (2:48 am)

      I was just thinking, is crime up or down? Seems to be up.

      • heartless July 22, 2018 (6:26 pm)

        Eh, it’s a tricky question as it depends on time frame and geography.  Overall, crime in Seattle has been going down, and steadily, for a long time, but that’s pretty much over decades.  For a shorter time frame I found this article which indicates that property crime is always high but other crimes vary based on neighborhood (which, of course).

    • Here July 21, 2018 (6:57 am)

      Uh, stabbing wounds aren’t inherently more fatal that gunshot wounds.  That’s a super bizarre claim, so I’m leaving it alone beyond that.  A witness in the neighborhood is saying it was two guys that knew each other fighting, which escalated into a stabbing.  A gun in that situation would only have changed the weapon involved in the homicide, not the outcome.  Let’s please not turn this into a debate about guns or homelessness or whatever political issue is stuck in everyone’s craw this week.  The energy is better spent helping police locate the suspect once they release a description so he can be held accountable.

      • Bradley July 21, 2018 (12:56 pm)

        Here, I’ve been training police officers to shoot for decades. Every tactical police training center nationwide trains officers to shoot knife-weilding suspects before gun-weilding suspects. If distances are the same, a knife attacker can close quicker than most officers can reach for their guns.  Knife wounds also result in much quicker blood loss than pistol wounds. Kevlar vests that officers wear to stop bullets cannot stop knife blades. I wouldn’t expect you to know what you’re talking about, but thanks for chiming-in.

        • be safe July 21, 2018 (1:40 pm)

          Bradley…  It seemed like you were  saying it makes sense that people want to have guns on them, since you wrote “Is it any wonder why so many law-abiding West Seattle residents are getting licenses to carry concealed firearms these days?”But then you spend the rest of your time saying how much more dangerous knives are?  I mean, the weird thing is you seem to agree with Here but I’m not sure you realize it?  Here points out that having a gun wouldn’t have changed anything in this situation…  and, well, you obviously agree with that, so not sure why you’re so grumpy?

          • Bradley July 21, 2018 (8:03 pm)

            Be Safe, if knives were better protection than guns, police, Secret Service agents, and Hollywood bodyguards would carry knives instead of guns. Firearms are DISTANCE weapons and provide far better protection against all weapons. Knives are CONTACT weapons and are poor protection against assaults due to the close proximity they require. Do not confuse the ability to effectively stop an attack with lethality. Knives do not stop attacks well, but since they create such hard-to-treat wounds and massive blood loss, they are oftentimes more lethal during the critical hour after sustaining a wound. Gunshot wounds generally incapacitate the attacker much quicker but blood loss is less than with a slashing-type blade wound. A gunshot in a limb is not nearly as life-threatening as a deep knife wound in a limb near a major artery. Due to the close nature of attacker-to-victim during knife attacks, most knife attacks result in wounds, whereas most firearms attacks result in the bullet missing the intended victim.

          • be safe July 21, 2018 (9:26 pm)

            Well, right, I get all that. But where I get confused is why you brought up this incident as a reason people might want to concealed carry.  Since in this incidence, as Here pointed out, nothing would have gone differently… That’s all.Have a safe night everyone.

          • Bradley July 21, 2018 (10:13 pm)

            What may have gone differently had the victim had a firearm is the victim may have survived.

          • be safe July 22, 2018 (8:34 am)

            “If distances are the same, a knife attacker can close quicker than most officers can reach for their guns.””What may have gone differently had the victim had a firearm is the victim may have survived.”???So these two guys were fighting and one of them pulls a knife and now you are completely changing your tune and saying if the other person had a gun it would have given him an edge?You’ve lost me, you really have.  (And I’d like to ask you, if one of these two people–or even if both–had been armed, do you honestly believe the end net result (i.e., a person dying) would have been improved?  There is no way.  And this is what you somehow aren’t able to see.  A gun in this fight wouldn’t have helped, and your own words support this…

          • heartless July 22, 2018 (2:12 pm)

            B:
            Didn’t you just say a gun wouldn’t have helped in such close combat?

            Besides, anyway you dice it someone would probably wind up dead. 

            There’s just no way the addition of a gun would have been a boon in this situation…. Think about it.

          • Helenweales July 22, 2018 (11:57 pm)

            @heartless-yeah, except you have absolutely no idea of circumstances, or what happened, or what you’re talking about..

  • Helenweales July 21, 2018 (3:01 am)

    I’m locking the doors and looking out the windows. Things have sure changed around here, and I think it’s mostly the homeless and gangers causing the problems. This one could be the same stabber as last time because they never found him, and it’s probably about a turf battle- but could be the homeless, because they are always  having disagreements and arguing over stolen bikes and whatnot. Nothing will change as the same police cheif will be sworn in and continuing to let these zombie dopers keep burglarizing your car or house to get dope money.. Stay safe everyone, and if you see someone hiding in your garage or bushes, hopefully you have a gun. 

    • be safe July 21, 2018 (8:35 am)

      Regarding your “…hopefully you have a gun” comment:If you see someone hiding in your garage or bushes please please please, for everyone’s safety, call 911.  Do not go outside to confront them, do not shoot them, do not threaten to shoot them, just call the cops.  This is also what the police will tell you to do–and believe it or not they have a lot more experience with this sort of thing…

      • Wow July 21, 2018 (6:03 pm)

        I think what she was trying to say was hopefully you are ready to defend yourself should anything happen.

      • Wseattleite July 21, 2018 (8:04 pm)

        Be safe, you are correct that one should call 911 immediately when life and limb are at stake. We have great Police Officers that will respond when on scene.  There is often a gap between the two events.  I was witness to a hit and run where the police had been called while the offender staggered around and asked everyone to not call the police.  The offender eventually ran away and I watched in shock as the other observers were wringing their hands saying “I hope the Police come soon”.  Dumbfounded, I ran after the offender which is the only reason the offender eventually came into custody of the Police.  We as a community must take some level of action outside of calling for help and ignoring anything else.  Community involvement on the unacceptable is a huge factor in changing culture, and in my opinion needs to be more prevalent.  

  • Joanne Brayden July 21, 2018 (7:02 am)

    Helenwheales..when this happened on  our street it was an ex girlfriend and her pal.. yes.. they did turn out to be at least wanna be gangsters but the killing had nothing to do with gangs.as for the homeless.. they are far more often victims than perpetrators.if you want to look for the real threats.. look no further than your home. women are far more likely to be killed by a significant other than by any of the boogeymen we are taught to fear.

    • Helenwheales July 21, 2018 (5:20 pm)

      You’re talkin a lot, but you’re not sayin anything! Homeless people are victims- of other homeless people! When a bunch of desperate people are sleeping outside, stealing to get drugs, bad things are gonna happen. Nobody in my house is a threat to any women or homeless people. I don’t fear the people in my house, but I do fear people who stagger around in a doped up haze, screaming at crows and cars and whatever gets in their way. 

      • heartless July 23, 2018 (10:04 am)

        No, Joanne is saying things, you’re just not listening.

        When women are victims of violent crimes the perpetrator tends to be someone they know, someone they are familiar with, and very often someone living with them.

        One study found that in 64% of female homicide cases the killer was a family member or intimate partner (Bureau of Justice Statistics, Female Victims of Violence, 2009).  Numerous other studies find the same thing.  

        This is the norm.  I hear you saying that you are not afraid of people in your house, and I hear you when you say nobody in your house is a threat to anyone. 

        But what I believe Joanne was getting at, and what I am telling you, is that when it comes to violent crimes, particularly against women, the homeless represent less of a risk than your friends, acquaintances and family members.

        • Helenweales July 23, 2018 (4:36 pm)

           @heartless- ok, you’re saying dont lock my door just because there’s a killer loose in the hood, as my housemates are trying to kill me. You can twist all kinds of misleading interpretations of I don’t know what kind of “statistics”? For what end?You should engage your brain and use some common sense, and not let click bait form your perspective. 

          • heartless July 23, 2018 (6:42 pm)

            Oh dear (and it’s only Monday…).

            I guess I’ll try once more and then let it go:

            No, I am not discouraging you from locking your door.

            No, I do not think your housemates are trying to kill you.

            I haven’t given any “misleading interpretations,” and statistics doesn’t need to be in scare quotes.

            The facts are that when women are victims of violence they tend to know the aggressor. 

            This is not a made up thing, this is simply the case. 

            If a women is murdered the perpetrator tends to be someone she knew–often someone she was living with or intimate with.  If a woman is abused the perpetrator tends to be someone she knew–often someone she was living with or intimate with. 

            These are not “misleading interpretations,” they are simply the facts.

            Whether or not you choose to believe these facts, they will still exist–and thank goodness for that.

          • Helenweales July 23, 2018 (9:25 pm)

            @heartless- so what? That’s not what we’re talking about. There are a variety of ways people and women can be killed- what is your objective in minimizing my concerns!? We’re talking about THIS situation. My goodness- it seems like you’re bent on making everything about you. Please allow others to express themselves, and post your diatribe again when the article is about most common ways women are abused and/or killed. 

          • heartless July 24, 2018 (11:22 am)

            “We’re talking about THIS situation.”

            No, you weren’t. 

            You went off on a tangent where you said you “…fear people who stagger around in a doped up haze, screaming at crows and cars and whatever gets in their way.”  You are talking about YOU and what YOU fear.

            You also said “I’m locking the doors and looking out the windows. Things have sure changed around here, and I think it’s mostly the homeless and gangers causing the problems.”  You are talking about YOU and what YOU fear.  

            And that is why me and another poster (Joanne) tried to tell you that actually violence against women is most often not perpetrated by strangers–it is generally someone you already know.  For some reason this fact made you really angry (and weirdly refused to believe it).

            Now you are, of course, free to have your own opinions about what in this world is a danger.  But when you post those opinions in a comments section and someone challenges those views with facts it’s not okay to get mad  and/or bury your head in the sand.

            But like I said before, I’m letting this one go–you seem to have no interest in actually understanding what people are trying to tell you, so good luck and bye.

            ps
            (And as for your claim that I’m making this all about me?  Really?  Do you have no shame at all?)  

          • Helenweales July 24, 2018 (12:33 pm)

            You keep saying you’re going to try one last time to straighten me out. Who asked you? Why don’t you try one less time? You keep hitting me over the head with this- my concerns about someone I don’t know are not valid because it’s more common for a woman to be hurt by someone she does know. I heard you! I’m not disputing it, and I don’t care. I’ll fret about my friends and aqquaintances  somewhere else. If (according to you) 64% of abused/killed women knew their attacker, that means 36% of abused/killed women did not know their attacker. Ok? Those women are still abused and/or dead- so get off of me, you relentless bully! 

          • Helenweales July 24, 2018 (12:53 pm)

            But what I believe Joanne was getting at, and what I am telling you, is that when it comes to violent crimes, particularly against women, the homeless represent less of a risk than your friends, acquaintances and family members.This is the most asinine conclusion I have ever heard!? A homeless person or my brother knocks on my door at midnight- who should I let in? It’s as if you have lost all ability to reason beyond a sound bite. If I’m more likely to have an accident at home than on a freeway- it’s because I spend vastly more time at home than on a freeway. YOU would conclude that I’m far safer speeding down the freeway, than sitting at my dining room table doing a crossword. It’s not true! Use your brain! If I spent 22hours a day, every day of my life, speeding down the freeway- would you still say I’m in more danger at home? 

  • Joe July 21, 2018 (12:35 pm)

    Please be careful walking in the area or crime scene.I witnessed this morning occupants of two sedans that drove up on a bystander at 17th sw & sw cambridge (alleged scene of stabbing) and threaten family vigilante violence upon him while demanding information about alleged crime from the innocent bystander.Caution in the area. Beware of violent angry people looking for retribution from innocent bystanders.

  • Del Griffith July 21, 2018 (1:42 pm)

    What are the numbers on West Seattle homicides the last few years? Curious where we are on numbers in comparison to other years.

  • Hillarie July 22, 2018 (12:32 am)

    Micheal was a great young man. Touched alot of peoples lives including my childs. So sad how someone so petty can have zero appreciation for someones life. How something so meaningless can hold value over someones whole life just saw him 3x yesterday the last time was about was about 1hour or 2 b4 he died. It literally makes me sick and sad how something so petty could turn so ugly. Check the people he was around in the areas he was in. I bet u they will find someone. Some people choose to over look the obvious. He didn’t deserve to die. Regardless of what u think u know… he was a good guy.😢💖RIP

  • andy July 22, 2018 (5:55 am)

    There was also a stabbing in the area of 12th and Jackson at roughly the same time as the one in West Seattle.

  • Mam'selle July 22, 2018 (3:10 pm)

    Big city, big city problems like homicide. I’ve lived in Seattle all my life 70s – now and it’s no more violent than I remember growing up here, honestly. Just like in any urban environment, watch your back but as someone mentioned, the greater threats come from who you know.  In the majority cases of homicide victim and perpetrator are known to each other.

  • Friend of Michael July 22, 2018 (6:20 pm)

    I am so f—in sad to hear this shit. Mike was a good person. He didnt start no sh-t wit anyone. He aint deserve this😤😤R.I.P Michael 💖

  • c July 23, 2018 (11:21 am)

    @wsb has victims name been released? 

    • WSB July 23, 2018 (12:17 pm)

      I’m checking.

      (12 minutes later, added …) Not according to the person we just spoke with at the ME’s office. We’ll check the 3 pm weekday media hotline but that hasn’t been entirely reliable lately, so aside from Michael per a commenter and 34 years old per SPD, that’s all we have so far. – TR

  • Unity & Kindness July 28, 2018 (8:50 am)

    Brina, Hillarie & anyone else who is connected to this tragedy…I’ve lit a candle & am sending love & light to ALL of you! I too, saw a memorial at the Walgreen’s parking lot today.  I didn’t know Micheal, nor ANYONE related to him, nor anyone at the memorial…and my outsides & their outsides looked nothing alike. But, that wasn’t my focus. Instead of, “minding my own business” & driving away, I approached the scattered group, that was obviously grieving, hurt, confused & angry! (imagine the looks on their faces as this skinny old white woman approached their sacred space!)  I asked questions & listened, without judgement & wound up holding a man, I’d never seen before, in my arms, as he sobbed. I spoke to a few more of the friends and family that were gathered & hugged every single one of them! For those few moments, there was ZERO separation! Only unity, loving kindness & compassion for each other! It brought to mind the 1967 song, “Get Together” by the Youngbloods…what I believe is: Fear is the enemy of Love & ONLY love can conquer hate! I also learned they are holding a Fundraising car-wash, tomorrow, Saturday the 28th, near the scene where this beautiful light was extinguished – I think it was either at 15th Ave SW & Cambridge or Delridge & Cambridge. Please be on the look out for them & let’s sow some seeds of unity, compassion & loving kindness! BIG Love!

Sorry, comment time is over.