CRIME WATCH: Have you seen Metro bus driver’s suspected killer? (update: arrested)

THURSDAY: A Metro driver and WSB reader asked us to share the photos of the man being sought in the murder of one of their co-workers in the U-District: “Do you mind posting on WSBlog the image and news release of the suspect in the murder of our coworker Shawn Yim, killed yesterday on the job? He is a known transient and rides the buses, so he can be anywhere (not just downtown Seattle or U-District) or as our WS neighbors ride into downtown and other areas they (may) recognize him. They can silently text 911 or they can tell their bus driver (they’ve been instructed how to safely handle notifying our dispatch). He needs to be caught and more eyes out there. Supposedly 6’5 in height – that could help sort out and distinguish in wondering if ‘him.’ Our coworkers are hurting and our whole city and communities are still in danger with him out there.” Here are two of the photos (see two others on SPD Blotter) and the police announcement:

Seattle police homicide detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Richard Sitzlack, who is believed to have stabbed a Metro coach driver in the University District Wednesday morning.

Sitzlack is a 53-year-old white male with brown eyes, brown hair, 6’5” tall, weighing 195 lbs. He was last seen wearing a navy-blue hooded sweatshirt, dark gray/blue jacket, black beanie, yellow backpack, blue camouflage pants, dark sneakers with white soles, carrying a red shopping bag.

Sitzlack is transient and frequents the University District and Downtown Seattle.

Do not attempt to approach Sitzlack, he is considered armed and dangerous. If anyone has information regarding his identity or location, please call 911 immediately.

SATURDAY MORNING UPDATE: As reported separately, SPD says Sitzlack is in custody.

Workdowntown December 19, 2024 (7:56 pm)

Thx WSB!! Scary. Hope he’s caught soon.

Alki resident December 19, 2024 (8:02 pm)

He killed his roommate last year and was never charged so he’s abt to do it again until he’s caught. He must be captured.

Seattlite December 19, 2024 (9:57 pm)

Your comment prompted me to research Richard Sitzlack. According to the article I read, there was not enough evidence to charge him with murdering his roommate. Instead, it was supposedly self-defense. Hopefully, police will be able to arrest, charge him for the tragic murder of the poor bus driver and the charges will stick.
- Alki resident December 19, 2024 (10:56 pm)
  
  People involved know he did it and now he’s done it again. Having “ lack of evidence “ is terrifying in a murder case. He must get caught fast.
  - Seattlite December 20, 2024 (7:14 am)
    
    Alki Resident: Do the “people involved” who “know he did it” have the evidence to prove he killed his roommate? I am assuming that investigators thoroughly investigated the tragic killing of his roommate which would include all “people involved.” Sitzlack is 100% dangerous and should not be on the streets. He is a tall (6’5″) guy who stands out in a crowd. Hopefully, he will be caught sooner rather than later.

KD December 19, 2024 (8:15 pm)

It was pointed out by another source that in the second photo (of him last night in a downtown crosswalk) he is wearing orange jail slides and carrying the shoes with the while stripe bottoms in his hand (the ones he wore during his attack). Police sources say to always look for perps shoes because the perp may purposely change clothes, but rarely think to change shoes. He might be on to that.. it was raining hard last night, yet he wears those

WSzombie December 19, 2024 (9:50 pm)

For article accuracy and a resource for potential sighting reports, the bus driver’s name is Shawn YIM, not Lim.

WSB December 20, 2024 (12:37 am)

I apologize. It was published as received but I should have verified the victim’s name. Fixed.

Leigh December 19, 2024 (10:09 pm)

Kinda hard to miss a guy that tall

frank December 19, 2024 (10:32 pm)

Rest in peace shawn lim

22blades December 20, 2024 (4:26 am)

I would like to know if this is a man known for wild behavioral issues or someone who can , at first contact, seem rational like an innocuous question about a bus showing up.

Scarlett December 20, 2024 (6:21 am)

For those of you who take the bus, as I frequently do, please be careful if you spot him. Make sure you are in a safe spot to alert the authorities, preferably with a clear escape route an/or with others nearby in case he suspects you recognize him. This person needs to be removed from the public ASAP.

WSeaLady December 20, 2024 (7:59 am)

News is reporting suspect as found? I hope this is true.

WSB December 20, 2024 (8:43 am)

What “news” are you referring to? As of this moment, he’s not on the jail register nor are there updates from SPD or multiple citywide outlets I just checked.
- WSeaLady December 20, 2024 (9:29 am)
  
  Oh- wait. Those are reports for a previous crime. You can delete my comment. So sorry.

Scared December 20, 2024 (10:59 am)

RIP SHAWN LIM. As a woman who rides public transportation on a daily basis, this is horrifying and entirely too close to home. I hope this sick individual is caught quickly.

Sorry, comment time is over.