UPDATE: 2 people shot at Duwamish Head, 1 man dead

(Photo sent by resident; victim was found just west of what’s shown; car belonged to a passerby)

6:58 AM: Police are investigating a deadly shooting on Harbor Avenue. They say people called 911 just before 4 am to report hearing gunshots in the 1000 block. They arrived and found a man lying in the road, dead from a gunshot wound. Police say another victim turned up in Renton and was taken to Harborview Medical Center in stable condition. Gunfire also hit a nearby residence but nobody was hurt.

(Added: Photo sent by resident whose home was hit)

Police say “multiple suspects” fled the scene but have not released any descriptive information; if you know anything about the shooting, SPD’s tip line is 206-233-5000. Harbor Avenue remains blocked at the scene.

7:42 AM: The victim’s body has not yet been removed. It’s toward the west end of the diagonal-parking area on Duwamish Head (a gathering space that nearby residents have long been asking the city to remove or reconfigure to parallel parking). The area is taped off but our photographer notes there’s a large number of casing markers – both near the victim’s body, and further east toward Don Armeni Boat Ramp.

(Added: WSB photos, long-lens)

(Also note: The white car in the top photo is no longer at the scene so it was likely not related.) We can’t get close enough to investigators to ask any questions but note that the area isn’t likely to be reopened any time soon.

Some context: This is the second homicide in West Seattle this year, first since the shooting death of 15-year-old Mobarak Adam at Southwest Center/Pool five months ago, the first one on Harbor Avenue since 49-year-old Peyman Shojaei was shot to death 13 months ago. (Both of those cases remain unsolved.)

10:17 AM: Police have just told dispatch that the street is reopening. Meantime, we listened to an hour and a half of recorded police radio starting with the original dispatch, and the only information to add is that – whether from a witness or residential security camera – police did get some plate numbers for vehicles potentially involved. We’ll update if and when more information becomes available; the victim’s identity is not likely to be made public any sooner than the next King County Medical Examiner’s Office daily update on Monday afternoon. SFD, which couldn’t do much at the scene because the victim was dead before they arrived, tells us he was “estimated” to have been 25 years old.

11:07 PM: No word of an arrest yet but a few notes. First, a commenter below said District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka visited the scene around 10:30 am; he tweeted about an hour after that, “Shocked and dismayed over shooting death on Harbor Ave. … I will listen to community and plan on taking action with the Mayor and other depts to address this reoccurring, senseless violence.” Then about a half-hour ago in three more tweets, Saka said he’d spoken with a resident whose window was shot at as well as with two deputy mayors, adding, “I am committed to working with our partners in taking bold action to address this serious public safety concern affecting Alki and moreover, our entire city!” Saka is vice-chair of the council’s Public Safety Committee. Meantime, tonight just south and uphill from the murder scene, police went to Hamilton Viewpoint Park in the 7 pm hour after a report that shell casings were found there, “possibly related to this morning’s shooting,” according to the dispatch; officers collected three casings.

118 Replies to "UPDATE: 2 people shot at Duwamish Head, 1 man dead"

  • waikikigirl June 22, 2024 (7:20 am)

    OMG when is enough,  enough?! I have so much more to say but won’t  but this has got to stop, people killing each other, for what?  And these INNOCENT people  so close to  getting “hit”. 

    • J Alki Resident June 22, 2024 (10:54 am)

      I agree with you: “…this has got to stop, people killing each other…”. The thing is, 99% of the time, it seems to me, it’s men killing each other.So: that’s the problem. Not all men do this. But it’s nearly always men who do. C’mon, we’ve got to see this clearly so we can start to problem solve. This is huge.

      • WeDunnit June 22, 2024 (12:57 pm)

        You’re making a valuable but dangerous point that I also agree isn’t addressed enough in our society. While not quite your observed 99%, men do account for a whopping 80% of violent crimes, despite accounting for just under half of the US population. Virtually no other factor (race, religion, culture) has a ratio that disproportionate, nor can it be attributed largely to a relegation to poverty, as virtually all of those factors can. I’m a man, and this is an issue that needs to be discussed more and with open minds. 

    • Seattlite June 22, 2024 (11:39 am)

      I think that you should voice as much as you want about the decline of law and order in West Seattle and greater Seattle.  The only way Seattle can get back on a stable law and order course is to vote in leaders that actually want the BEST for Seattleites.  The BEST meaning safe streets, proper consequences for crimes committed, good prosecutors, good judges.  Seattle’s citizens have a say in what is going right and what is going wrong with their vote.  Currently, Seattle is at a level of dysfunction that I have never seen before as a 75-year-old Seattleite.

      • K June 22, 2024 (7:29 pm)

        Harrell, Saka, Nelson, Davidson, etc. all ran on “law and order” platforms.  They all promised more cops, more money for cops, police everywhere.  Who should everyone have voted for instead to create the city you so desire?

        • Seattlite June 23, 2024 (7:02 am)

          Therein lies the problem…candidates who do not fulfill their campaign promises and a no-show of candidates who actually want to bring Seattle back to its roots of a safe, livable city.

          • K June 24, 2024 (7:31 am)

            The real problem is people voting on feelings and hearing what they want to hear instead of looking at anyone’s background or track record.  Nothing in any of those folks’ background says they were going to do anything (Harrell was on City Council for 12 years and did nothing, why would it be different as mayor?), and none of them presented actual plans to back up their promises during campaigns.  It’s not all on the candidates for presenting wishes as promises, Seattle voters are incredibly gullible and until they start looking at what candidates DO and if they have any kind of plans, we’re going to keep having a table full of do-nothings collecting checks while doing nothing for the city.

  • Duffy June 22, 2024 (7:39 am)

    The frequency of gun violence in West Seattle is startling. It played a part in our decision to leave. It’s not just when people are killed; city and county police investigate gunfire in West Seattle on the regular. How many guns are out there in the wrong hands? It’s wild. Hope Saka pushes this to the front of his agenda. New ideas and stricter punishments are needed. It’s ruining a great community.

    • Honk June 22, 2024 (8:01 am)

      FYI, criminologists have shown that it is the consistency of response, not the severity of punishment, that exercises the strongest deterrent effect.

      • Mike June 22, 2024 (8:32 am)

        Rather than obscure and muddy the waters, how about this:  a consistent and severe response to those who indulge in gun violence?  Perhaps including getting them out of the community so they can’t kill their fellow citizens?

        • K June 22, 2024 (10:56 am)

          Homicide already has the potential for a life sentence.  “Severe” responses aren’t a deterrent in and of themselves, because the perpetrators don’t think they’ll be caught.  And before anyone chimes in with how we need more police to make people believe they’ll be caught, the phenomenon comes entirely from cognitive bias and cognitive distortions that exist in the brains of nearly everyone.    The best way to deter violence is to provide alternatives.  Complex problems don’t have easy answers.

          • Mike June 22, 2024 (3:53 pm)

            Agree to disagree. What appears to be gobbledygook in your observation is easily refuted by the lower incidences of violence observed when the police department was fully staffed/engaged, and those convicted of crimes could expect consequences. Although I’m sure you’ll cite more academic theory as to why that wasn’t really true?

          • K June 22, 2024 (7:33 pm)

            Not academic theory, Mike, just facts.  SPD was fully staffed in the 90s and statistically, crime was WAY higher back then.  The 90s was also the era of “three strikes” laws and other increasingly punitive consequences for non-violent crimes.  History does not support your hypothesis. 

      • Duffy June 22, 2024 (8:45 am)

        Look, I’ve got no answers. You might be right that empirical evidence suggests that, but when you aren’t operating in a vacuum and the limitations of the police force have an effect on their ability to respond, then new ideas are warranted. It makes my head spin to think about on a typical summer day on Alki how many people down there are armed and armed illegally. I really feel for those that call Alki home.

        • AlkiRenter June 22, 2024 (9:59 am)

          Some residents stay home or leave in the evenings and on the weekends during the summer to mitigate, but yeah – it’s pretty wild to think about. 

          • KT June 22, 2024 (5:17 pm)

            I used to live on Alki from 2019-2022. In the summer season, I never once left to enjoy the beach, which I could see from my apartment. I had men peeing outside my window, where I was working from home; I was outside on the phone with my mom when the shooting happened across from Spuds; my friend’s car was broken into 3x…I moved :( 

          • Ly June 22, 2024 (11:36 pm)

            I hear you. Locals dislike Alki in the summer months for this reason. People who aren’t familiar would say oh wow how cool if you live on Alki. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough when I lived there in 2005-2006. And it wasn’t even that bad back then. It feels like it’s gotten worse with the shootings and drunk driving accidents. Our family avoids Alki altogether in nice weather. Especially after the shooting near Whale Tail playground last summer where kids were still out and about. Just not worth it. 

    • Not a Fan of Guns June 22, 2024 (8:53 am)

      Duffy: Where in this country do you expect to find sanctuary from the 2nd Amendment? I’d like to move there too.

      • Try China June 22, 2024 (11:35 am)

        Try China. Or any other country where guns are outlawed. I understand they have lovely civil rights programs there. I’ll even help you pack.

        • Moved from Delridge June 22, 2024 (8:59 pm)

          Try getting an IVF in Alabama , I heard the gun nuts there really care about your rights

        • Pete June 22, 2024 (10:25 pm)

          Or basically any other developed nation

  • Harbor Ave Resident June 22, 2024 (8:22 am)

    Here we go, summer’s barely begun. 

  • Alki Res June 22, 2024 (8:27 am)

    The white car was not involved and pulled over when she saw the body. My husband is in that 1st pic. He came down once the cars dispersed from the scene to see if the victim might need help, but the victim was clearly deceased (gunshot wound to the head). We have been here 8 years now and seen an increasing amount of lawlessness and gun violence in this beautiful community. Such a shame. We’ve been involved at community meetings and various initiatives to clean up the neighborhood. I hope more attention will be dedicated to keeping this neighborhood safer for all and better solutions are implemented. The police are still here at 8:27 AM. 

    • So Long June 22, 2024 (8:41 am)

      Alki has had shootings and violence every year as long as I’ve lived here (which is WAY longer than 8 years).  It’s not okay, but it’s also not new.  I’d be curious to see what the shooting/homicide statistics for West Seattle were like if Alki were taken out of the equation.  We generally avoid that neighborhood, but enjoy and feel safe in the rest of West Seattle and White Center.

      • WSB June 22, 2024 (9:16 am)

        For more context than what I’ve already added above: Even one is too many, but Alki-area homicides are not more common than any other part of West Seattle. The one near Whale Tail last year was the first at Alki in two years. As noted above, we’ve had two homicides now this year in West Seattle – one in Westwood, and this one. Last year had more than usual (at least in the 17 years we’ve been doing this), six total in WS (as part of an abnormally high number citywide) – here’s where they happened:

        -April 2023, Chief Sealth IHS campus
        -May 2023, South Delridge
        -May 2023, Alki (near Whale Tail Park)
        -May 2023, Harbor Ave (at Don Armeni)
        -May 2023, Myers Way
        -July 2023, North Delridge

        Going back to other years will take some time.

  • Alki Jack June 22, 2024 (8:49 am)

    There are lots of cars from other areas coming to Alki. Absolutely zero enforcement of driving infractions. Speeding, super loud banging exhaust, burnouts, motorcycles which go between speed bumps screaming down the Alki. Doing wheelies, passing cars on the inside at high speeds and other illegal maneuvers.  I mean on a warm Friday night…WHO didn’t see this coming!

    • Billy Bob June 22, 2024 (9:15 am)

      A few patrol cars parked along that area with lights on would deter much of that foolishness you would think. Seems to be too great a task to ask for, let alone actually take on!

  • Em June 22, 2024 (8:55 am)

     I guess one end of Alki is a healthy street and the other end is unhealthy. The lawbreakers begin in the afternoon and continue until the early hours of the next day.Sometimes it’s noise.Other times it’s street racing etc. and sometimes it is death. When will it ever stop?

    • Molly June 22, 2024 (9:54 am)

      I honestly hate that they made constellation a healthy street but didn’t include the Duwamish head as one. THAT area, especially don armeni dock lot, is becoming a hang out for the gangs and street racers. That whole stretch needs to be made into a healthy street and narrow car lanes to make people slow down and avoid the area. The parking lot should put an attendant at it and charge to be in there. Then people will avoid the area more, hopefully :(

      • Moved from Delridge June 22, 2024 (11:31 am)

        No, make it harder for law abiding people to visit Alki, one of the jewels of Seattle, is NOT the answer. 

      • Rhonda June 22, 2024 (12:52 pm)

        Molly, Don Armeni Park/Duwamish Head view aren’t full of “gangs”. A group of BIPOC young people showing off their expensive, customized  cars in the boat ramp parking lot isn’t a “gang”. SPD and city workers close off the DA parking lot with metal barriers before it’s completely dark each evening now, anyway. Closing that parking lot didn’t stop this morning’s deadly shooting just yards away.

      • Avalonian June 23, 2024 (1:10 pm)

        I wonder why they don’t at least add metered parking in all locations. Anyone know? 

  • Just wondering June 22, 2024 (9:22 am)

    Years ago I remember a young couple who were shot and killed on Beach Drive while sitting on a bench across from Schmitz Park. At the time it was not as usual to have shootings in West Seattle. I think of them whenever I drive by there.  Was that ever solved?

    • WSB June 22, 2024 (9:36 am)

      One woman died from that shooting, which happened in the area of Beach Drive known as Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (often mistakenly referred to as Me-Kwa-Mooks, which is the park on the inland side of the street). 1993, in which five of the 73 Seattle homicides were in West Seattle, according to this list. A 16-year-old was convicted.

      • WSEA June 22, 2024 (11:05 am)

        Is that 16 year old still in prison or was he released?  i cant find any info on DOC inmate search.

        • CAM June 22, 2024 (5:05 pm)

          You want to know if a 16 year old JUVENILE is still in prison for a crime committed 31 years ago? Under what dystopian world order would they still be? 

          • K June 22, 2024 (7:34 pm)

            He was tried as an adult and sentenced to a minimum of 20 years, if I recall correctly.

          • wscommuter June 22, 2024 (8:19 pm)

            Chill Cam.  It’s absolutely possible if that juvenile was tried as an adult – as happens often when a juvenile commits a heinous crime.  I don’t know anything about that particular case, but yes, on occasion, our courts will  try juveniles as adults following a pretty rigorous evidentiary/legal hearing where a judge has to find that the requisite factors are met to “decline” to treat the juvenile as a juvenile and remands to adult court.  Murders committed by kids can – and should – have that possible outcome, depending on the facts in a given case.  So sometimes (pretty rare, statistically) a 16 year-old can commit a murder and still be in prison 31 years later.  Sometimes that is the necessary consequence.    

          • CAM June 23, 2024 (1:35 am)

            I am well familiar with the process of juvenile waiver/transfer. Find me a case of a juvenile tried as an adult who has an over 30 year sentence. And then find me the part where their sentence wasn’t subsequently reduced for any of 100 reasons it could be. And thank you for telling me to “chill.” I’ll beg you not to project your emotional reactions onto my comments. 

          • movedfromdelridge@gmail.com June 23, 2024 (10:46 am)

            A dystopian world is where young psychopaths kill but get a second chance to terrorize their communities .

          • WSEA June 22, 2024 (9:07 pm)

            Well, as he was sentenced to over 570 months, I’d say this one.

          • Oh Seattle June 23, 2024 (3:37 pm)

            Aries Faletogo was sentenced to 47 years in 1994, so he could still be incarcerated. It’s not hard to find the reporting from his trail for first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder, along with descriptions of his behavior before and during that trial. My idea of dystopia is a society where someone who exhibits sociopathic behavior, and has already proven he will kill for no reason other than pleasure, is free in society to murder again.

          • WSB June 23, 2024 (4:07 pm)

            Just because it came up here, I’ve tried to find him in the DOC and court systems. Somebody with that name had a few misdemeanor cases in South King County the past few years – not sure if it’s the same person, as those listings have a middle name, but I haven’t seen one in archived 1990s coverage – but otherwise, no trace, not even of the original case. I’m going to ask the DOC tomorrow.

          • WSB June 24, 2024 (11:49 am)

            Reply from DOC media team: “DOC records indicate that Mr. Faletogo was released from prison on 5/11/2020. His post-incarceration supervisory period ended on 5/11/2023.”

          • WSEA June 23, 2024 (4:49 pm)

            He was still incarcerated with DOC as of 2019. I can’t find any info on what has happened since then.

          • K June 23, 2024 (5:01 pm)

            He was still in prison at the beginning of 2020.  There was an appeal after he was denied parole under the Miller fix, and it looks like he got a new hearing set for January 2020, but I didn’t have time to go any further to view the outcome. https://www.courts.wa.gov/content/Briefs/A01/795627%20Petitioner%20's%20.PDF

        • Lee June 24, 2024 (1:42 pm)

          He was released a few years ago. He is someone I went to school with.

    • Question Authority June 22, 2024 (1:36 pm)

      The woman was late term pregnant and the baby saved and alive today.  I know him, and the grandfather / grandmother who helped raise him as we worked together.  Two very nice men who overcome tragedy and loss due to a random senseless crime.

    • David June 22, 2024 (9:48 pm)

      yes that shooting was solved if the one you are talking about was in mid 90’s across from Me Kwa Mooks where 2 people were killed sitting on a bench. It was a thrill killing as the gunman (who went to prison) proudly returned to his car and told the occupants “murder on the boulevard” Knew the kid in grade school as well as knew his uncle.

  • Admiral-2009 June 22, 2024 (9:35 am)

    Enough already, anyone using a gun in crime needs to be behind bars for a very long time.  And anyone killing another person, except in self defense, needs to be put away for life.  I personally believe it’s time to allow capital punishment in some cases.

    • Ray Wittmier June 22, 2024 (10:17 am)

      As I walked Alki about 8pm last night I told myself it’s sad but highly likely something tragic will happen here tonight. I was out for over an hour and not one Seattle Police Car even drove past. I’m amazed this didn’t happen until 4am, but I suspect there were many incidents earlier in the evening. Those who believe severe and certain punishment doesn’t work are absolutely wrong. Overall a small number of people commit serious crimes. Just locking up a few for a lengthy time drastically reduces the number of crime victims(you and me). People sometimes make bad choices and need to pay for those choices. 

      • CAM June 22, 2024 (11:30 am)

        Ray – all evidence from the 70s, 80s, and 90s when the US was on a binge of incarcerating people for extremely long sentences for even nonviolent crimes would in fact suggest you are absolutely wrong. The crime rate dropped when the economy stabilized (for everyone, not just the uberwealthy) and when mandatory minimums were phased out. 

        • OneTimeCharley June 22, 2024 (12:12 pm)

          This is very likely true Cam. The problem I see is that income inequality is only growing. The effects of the Citizen’s United decision, and our newly discovered ‘for hire’ Supreme Court, mean that the odds of income disparity improving in the foreseeable future is quite low, wouldn’t you say? The rest of us can only do so much until the NRA and the Billionaires are put back into check, as their unholy alliance is literally killing the rest of us.

          • Poet June 24, 2024 (7:04 am)

            I very much agree. 

          • Scarlett June 24, 2024 (12:35 pm)

            Growing?  Wealth inequality is an obscene gaping chasm that makes the Gilded Age look like child’s play.  And its not all the billionaire class, though easy targets, millions of upper middle class have attached themselves to greed train, like suckers to sharks, and are feeding on the dividends that come their way.       

      • Jann June 22, 2024 (7:15 pm)

        Ray:  I live on Harbor Ave SW and phoned SPD both Thursday and Friday nights.  SPD was not concerned about the speeding cars, motorcycles, cars congregating or the noise.  They only wanted to know if I saw anyone with guns.  No, I replied, no one racing down the street at 60+ mph waiving a gun.  SPD did not send patrol officers until someone phoned in gunshots and a body on the street.  I guess the rule is to not preempt a disaster/crime, it is more SPD will deal with it after the fact.  And my personal opinion is the cars and motorcycles are “gangs”, not in the way they have been known in the past like “Westside Story” but new kinds of gangs that are similar to “Fast and Furious”.  Not that those a bad movies but they are movies. J

    • Echo June 22, 2024 (10:24 am)

      The law already punishes perpetrators using a deadly weapon in the commencement of a crime with a *mandatory* 60-month consecutive sentencing enhancement *for each offense*. RCW 9.94A.533

  • HarborAveNeighbor June 22, 2024 (9:43 am)

    I sincerely hope everyone who reads this feels shocked and concerned. And then uses that energy to take just 5 minutes to sit down and send an email to city leaders, letting them know this area needs to be a public safety priority. Please do not be complacent. Don’t count on someone else speaking up for you. Here are the city leaders to reach out to: bruce.harrell@seattle.gov; adiam.emery@seattle.gov; greg.wong@seattle.gov; rob.saka@seattle.gov; sara.nelson@seattle.gov; tanya.woo@seattle.gov; krista.bair@seattle.gov; sue.rahr@seattle.gov

    • Westseattlerez June 22, 2024 (12:42 pm)

      Really good point. We need to be loud and demand change otherwise this issue will continue.My parents home country in South America isn’t even this dangerous. Not sure how this is okay in a place like west Seattle.ive sent a message, thanks for the emails!

    • Delridge rez June 22, 2024 (12:44 pm)

      Really good point. We need to be loud and demand change otherwise this issue will continue.I sent an email. Thanks for sharing.

    • Jann June 22, 2024 (7:17 pm)

      Rob Saka visited the scene this morning.  

  • Whisky Woods June 22, 2024 (9:51 am)

    Have you had enough, hopefully we can elect someone that will get tough on crime.

    • Mary Kirk June 24, 2024 (7:40 am)

      🤙🤙🤙

  • Alex June 22, 2024 (9:54 am)

    Guns continue to be the problem, but people will make this about loud cars/music probably. 

    • One thing leads to another June 22, 2024 (11:54 am)

      Alex, Loud cars and loud music lead to late-night Alki gatherings, drinking, weed-smoking, arguing, fighting, gunfire, and homicides. Seal-sitters and joggers don’t get high and shoot at each other at 4am.

      • Ly June 22, 2024 (11:41 pm)

        +1

  • Bart June 22, 2024 (10:06 am)

    It seems like raising police pay will help in the long term but in the short term I wonder if SPD annd the public are interested in cameras to record vehicle make model and license plates. Cities like Atlanta are having success with that. Centralia is using them and Everett is getting them installed. It seems like the only practical and realistic thing we can do right now.

    • Alki Traveler June 22, 2024 (4:51 pm)

      ACLU and nearby residents shot down (no pun intended) a camera installation plan years ago for this area. If the planned cameras were down there (I know, privacy [shudder]) we might have better information on perpetrators and more accountability. Recording activity for law enforcement purposes in a public thoroughfare does not mean that “we’ve become a surveillance state!”.

        • Bart June 22, 2024 (8:04 pm)

          The 40 or so agencies in Washington that use them don’t do general surveillance like the taliban or ccp. They are pointed at rear license plates and images are only saved for 30 days. An example is if somebody living across the street from the shooting calls 911 saying they saw a red Mercedes sedan drive away from the scene. Then if a camera picks up a red Mercedes sedan a little after that time   software will automatically alert the nearest patrol officer in the vicinity of the vehicles whereabouts. I’m sure the city of puyallup or Yakima can simply disable the cameras if citizens change their mind. It’s just an aid to law enforcement.  The bill of rights will still be in effect. 

    • Mary Kirk June 24, 2024 (7:39 am)

      I agree

  • Roxanne Meyer June 22, 2024 (10:39 am)

    The body has been removed and the road is now open. 

    • Anne June 22, 2024 (11:57 am)

      Are you serious???  The healthy street at the other end works because it’s an offshoot from the main arterial. Not the same by Don Armeni. 

  • Big bling June 22, 2024 (11:02 am)

    Guns, guns, guns. Get the F rid of them. No one can be trusted w/them. 

  • D June 22, 2024 (11:07 am)

    I live on Alki.  This is where Seattle was founded.  This is also the bastard child of Seattle since it annexed into now Seattle proper.  Usual story … become part of our city (please give us your taxes) and you can have our fire,  police and and andEvery nice day brings more people, more speeding as families try to walk crosswalks to enjoy a day at the beach.  More parking that is illegal and unmanned by the city.  More loitering and violence , more speeding as I  awake three times a night to cars and people and loud music. the amount of taxes we pay … to feel unsafe, to have  a street ideemed “healthy” and isolated  is laughable when the real unsafe high traffic street is left untouched.  Should families, bicyclists, runners have a “healthy” street?  Should people living at the water and working hard to pay some of the highest taxes be able to sleep through the night and not have a bullet hit their window?  Currently our bulk is deteriorating , the benches that need repair are amputated and removed.  Stairs to the beach are blocked off and not fixed.    But my oh my the Seattle waterfront is looking good and how about lake union…“should “ is a ridiculous word that sounds like entitlement, I know…How about we the people demand accountability from our local government. How about paid parking on Alki with locals getting g permits (Mukilteo has done this) then the funds go to safety and Alki care? I’m not a know it all, I’m a citizen like many that thinks kids should be able to enjoy our beaches, local play grounds and that all of us need to be accountable.  Please run interference Seattle instead of showing up in the aftermath. Thanks for the platform.  As a lifelong resident I’m Very disappointed in Seattle. 

    • Mary Kirk June 24, 2024 (7:37 am)

      Me, too😞

  • Derek June 22, 2024 (11:36 am)

    Ban the guns. That simple. Outlaws and outliers? Sure. But it will shrink the problem significantly.

    • WSRez June 22, 2024 (4:24 pm)

      Great idea. Let me know how it goes picking up all those guns from people that will be more than happy to just turn them over. And don’t forget to check with every person in the country, since most guns used in crimes are stolen/unregistered.

    • Peter S. June 23, 2024 (9:53 am)

      Derek, your hypocrisy is showing.  It was only a few years ago that you claimed your father was “a great man”, despite robbing drug stores.  (Sorry, I couldn’t find that particular thread, but it’s somewhere in the archives.)  I’m sure he just pointed his pinky finger and said “Give me the money/drugs”, right??  

      • K June 24, 2024 (7:26 am)

        How is that hypocrisy?  Having a personal connection with someone who possibly (even probably) used a gun to commit their crimes 100% tracks with the “taking away guns reduces crime” sentiment.  If anything it bolsters the argument, not counters it.

        • Peter S. June 25, 2024 (9:27 am)

          @K:  Because Derek said nothing about guns being bad at the time.  That’s why. 

      • Scarlett June 24, 2024 (11:00 am)

        That’s a little creepy to remember someone’s comments from a few years ago.  

        • Peter S. June 25, 2024 (9:33 am)

          Only because it struck me as such a ludicrous comment.

  • Kevin June 22, 2024 (11:43 am)

    I totally agree with Bart. The installation of cameras to record vehicle make, model, and license plates throughout West Seattle could be an effective & efficient means to begin to reverse the crime wave plaguing our community.When you think about it, how many crimes committed on the peninsula involve cars without license plates? If those vehicles could be identified and checked on by SPD, maybe some crimes could be preempted. And just maybe, the thugs might choose to steer clear of West Seattle. Just a thought.

    • Dog Whisperer June 22, 2024 (7:08 pm)

      The cars involved in crime are stolen. Not much Intel to be gleaned there. We need more police presence along with convictions. 

      • Mary Kirk June 24, 2024 (7:32 am)

        Spot on!!!!!!!

    • True North June 22, 2024 (7:14 pm)

      Just an FYI: Cameras in the diagonal parking area and Don Armeni were approved by the city council months ago. This happened due to the  work of the Harbor-Alki Neighbors group, mentioned by WSB in this initial report, now 150 residents strong. This group was also instrumental in the removal and discontinuation of the decrepit vehicles that used to park along Harbor from the bridge to Jack  Block and beyond. This group has been very active in working with the city council, mayors office, SPD, parks, DOT, the county council and more, we continue to make our voices heard, there is strength in numbers  and, you can join us. Send an email to  neighborsharboralki@gmail.com  for info and to become a member of a group that is hands on effecting solutions and positive changes!  

  • Actually Mike June 22, 2024 (12:06 pm)

    After seeing the dregs and chaos manifest on Alki one summer evening a couple of years ago I concluded that events like this were inevitable, and have stayed away on weekends since then. Which sucks, but so would catching some punk’s stray bullet. “Public safety” is a farce here as Seattle continues to whirl its way down the drain under the current administration. And Hizzoner can’t even be bothered to show up at his own “Mayor’s Community Safety Forums”.

  • Bill Morris June 22, 2024 (12:40 pm)

    Since there are only three ways to access Alki, I wish they would station a patrol car at Harbor Ave, Admiral Way, and Beach Drive.  It might deter some folk with bad intentions, but it would absolutely catch those who want to make a quick getaway after a crime like this.

    • sixbuck June 22, 2024 (3:03 pm)

      Block those roads, but I can think of a few other roads out. 

    • My two cents June 22, 2024 (4:54 pm)

      3 patrol station x 2 police = 6 officers …. X 8 hours = 48 hours staffing resources … x 2 nights per week x 52 weeks = 4,992 annual hours (equivalent to 208 days). Yep, pencils out.

    • jissy June 22, 2024 (9:49 pm)

      You must be new here, Mr. Morris…. W A Y more than 3.

  • Roxanne Meyer June 22, 2024 (12:45 pm)

    Rob Saka was here at 10:10am. 

    • Alf June 22, 2024 (3:05 pm)

      He’s such a major disappointment another bait and switch was he on his way to have morning tea with the Elite on the “healthy street “Already his priorities are wrong and now a trillion dollar additional transportation levy request. How about taking some of that proposed taxes to making us safe

  • Enough June 22, 2024 (3:40 pm)

    We can’t talk about gun violence right now because we’re still praying for the victims of Sandy Hook, Uvalde, Parkland, Las Vegas, Pulse, Columbine, et al.  But I’m sure once the praying has ended Congress will get right to work & solve gun violence in this country.

    • Poet June 24, 2024 (7:12 am)

      Amen!

  • JAH June 22, 2024 (4:09 pm)

    Would you rather have more police, or more vigilantes? I think that is something people need to seriously consider as we go down this road. 

    • Dog Whisperer June 22, 2024 (7:06 pm)

      Quite simply it’s one or the other. Whichever you want. 

    • R June 22, 2024 (10:24 pm)

      Civilians standing up for civilians is a good thing. Our safety is our responsibility. 

  • Remove Speed Bumps on Alki June 22, 2024 (4:23 pm)

    I guess the speed bumps don’t stop bullets.. Still very sad and frustrating that this keeps happening on Alki. Enforcement is what is needed. Not band aid ideas like making Alki a traffic nightmare. 

  • Big Bling June 22, 2024 (4:40 pm)

    Guns, guns, guns. that’s the whole story.  get them out of everyone’s hands. we can’t be trusted with them. Guns, guns, guns. take them away from everyone. 

  • Brynn June 22, 2024 (7:49 pm)

    My heart hurts for this young man, his family and his friends. 

    • Guy Olson June 23, 2024 (1:05 am)

      I agree, 25 years old, still a baby. I wonder what was said. 

  • Entire Alki road needs to be healthy street with local nighttime access June 22, 2024 (10:27 pm)

    I don’t care if people disagree. I’m not a homeowner and this would enrich the people who have properties right there but the entire stretch of alki across the skyline and the California road need to be limited to local access during quiet hours. Random street racings which lead to murder and people dumping stolen cars they’ve joyridden from across the city needs to be blocked starting at the bridge. 

    1. Police just sit back and do zero enforcement. 
    • K June 23, 2024 (8:30 am)

      This wouldn’t end street racing, it would just move it to the Junction, or Roxbury, or somewhere else.  Police have always been a reactionary, rather than preventative, force.  Always.  In every city.  For centuries.  The concept of policing is built on responding to crime, not preventing it.  Crime prevention starts with social safety nets and cultural changes, which is not part of any police force’s mission.

      • Poet June 24, 2024 (7:14 am)

        True

    • Brandon June 24, 2024 (4:28 am)

      Across the skyline and the California road?  What?

    • AngusOfAlki June 26, 2024 (3:13 pm)

      That is not solving the issue of illegal guns and shootings.  These folks will find somewhere else to go.  Blocking access, who is going to enforce this?  What happens if there is a breech?We need to solve the problem, that is what we elected our City Council and Mayor to do.  The question is what is their “bold” plan going to be?  Seems like once elected their promises fade away.

  • WS Resident June 23, 2024 (2:56 am)

    What would happen if Alki Beach was pay for parking – scan a card to enter with a car; it’s free for local residents but parking for non-WSeattlites cost money to park? 

    • My two cents June 23, 2024 (10:40 am)

      Will West Seattleites get reciprocity when every other neighborhood joins in?

    • K June 23, 2024 (11:14 am)

      Please, no.  It’s a city park, not a West Seattle park.  People from other areas pay taxes for its upkeep too.  Imagine if every neighborhood did this: gating their most popular resources.  Do you want to pay extra to go to Discovery Park?  Or Green Lake?  Or Jefferson Park?  Gatekeeping is not the solution here.  More traffic controls (like physical lane dividers) would do more to make the road safer both for pedestrians and from street racers than making everyone prove they live in West Seattle.

    • Rhonda June 23, 2024 (1:42 pm)

      All of the parking at Alki is public. We pay car registration each year to allow us to park on any public street. Even metered parking on public streets is free after hours. No parking zones have to have a valid reason for existing: fire hydrant or fire zone, bus stop, disabled, law enforcement, loading zone, etc. Locals simply not wanting non-residents to enter the neighborhood is not one of them.

      • WS Resident June 23, 2024 (7:57 pm)

        Considering the circumstances as well as the obvious high summer beach traffic because of the season, a special access pass could help locals to enjoy their neighborhood beach safely. This is about making Alki beach safe! Paid parking could be seasonal as a summer tourist beach fee and Alki beach Paid Parking for non-residents means money coming in for WS to directly allocate toward and pay for SPD to put more police presence. Maybe this would turn ppl to the use of public transit (water taxi) but it doesn’t have to be just about paid parking, it could be the actual access to the beach related to days or set times. 

        • Rhonda June 24, 2024 (12:14 am)

          Everyone in Seattle is a resident and everyone in Seattle funds Alki Beach Park. If you can’t accept that then you should avoid the area.

    • Brandon June 24, 2024 (4:29 am)

      What would happen if you had to pay to go into any neighborhood then and you had to show your WS card?  Aren’t you high and mighty 

  • Peter June 23, 2024 (7:58 am)

    Who died?

  • Eric June 23, 2024 (5:59 pm)

    It’s not that hard. West Seattle is a peninsula with only X number of ways in/out. Alki is even more predictable entrance / exits. Retractable bollards at each entrance. When stuff like this happens, lock it down,  bring out the drones, and get these people caught. If the police can’t/aren’t licensed, let’s create our own cam systems and response force. Serious. 

  • WS Walker June 25, 2024 (4:43 pm)

    Sad to say, but this is another tragic incidence in which a gun was used to settle a grievance – real or imagined. throughout this thread of comments and in all of the news reportage/coverage of the shooting of a 17 year old at Garfield HS, and 15 year old Sealth HS student, not one mention has been made, by police, city council, community members, of why teenagers/children have guns, where they are obtaining the guns and why they are using guns which such frequency to settle disputes. If our collective communities can address this question we  may be able to find solutions to quell the random and not random violence that wreaks havoc in so many families connected in some way to these senseless shootings.The easy  and intellectually lazy way is to lay blame is on the second amendment and all the hysteria and hand wringing that goes with it on both sides of the issue of legal carry/ownership. Generally speaking lawful gun owners are not the problem. It is the massive availability of firearms regulated and otherwise.Just a few thoughts…

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