Update: Memorial at scene of Junction shooting; victim ID’d

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Flowers and other tributes have been placed at the scene of last night’s deadly shooting in The Junction (original report here, morning update here). No word of arrests yet, nor formal ID from the Medical Examiner’s office (the 26-year-old victim’s sister sent WSB e-mail early this morning but we have withheld his name pending official confirmation of the ID), but we are about to make another round of calls to check. We will have photos of the tributes shortly. Many people who knew the victim have already written tributes in the comments on our morning update, starting here. 3:37 PM UPDATE: Adding photos. The memorial was set up by three childhood friends of Steve; the table was provided by Talarico’s. To quote one of them, honest and raw: “This is so f—d up.” They are working on memorial plans, and they invite anyone who knew Steve to come down and write, or leave, a tribute. 3:49 PM UPDATE: The victim’s full name is now public: Steven Ray Bushaw, per the King County Medical Examiner’s office, cause of death reiterated as “multiple gunshot wounds.”

4:28 PM UPDATE: Just called police to ask if there’s ANYTHING new we can report. Officer Mark Jamieson in the media unit says, in a word, no. The last, and only, official description of the suspects is, “two black males in a white sedan” – they can’t even confirm the potential dreadlock-hairstyle detail that we picked up off the scanner last night (and of course, what’s heard on the scanner often changes in cases big and small as police receive conflicting information and have to sort through it). If you have ANY information that might help the investigation, call 911.

ADDED 4:42 PM: In comments, there’s a tribute mentioning that Steve Bushaw was a talented soccer player. While looking for online info, we found this link to a Times story from 11 years ago, about his role in a huge upset win for the West Seattle High School soccer team.

ADDED EARLY TUESDAY: We have e-mailed the family a request for a photo of Steve. Meantime, WSB’er Alice discovered he’s in her 1999 WSHS yearbook, and sent us the photo you see at left.

Hutch February 2, 2009 (4:07 pm)

This is so incredibly sad…tragic..unbelievable really. Not that murder anywhere doesn’t generate the same response…but this is soooo close to home. My heart and thoughts go out to the family of this young man. I can’t imagine losing a family member to violence and consider myself extremely lucky that I haven’t. We, as WS citizens, need to be strong and fight against this kind of violence invading our neighborhoods (in a non-violent way!)…hope they find the people responsible soon.

JR February 2, 2009 (4:07 pm)

This is happening a little too frequently, and this time it’s too close for comfort. Fremont got a taste of “dummies with guns” last weekend, and now, probably the only other place I’d think this wouldn’t happen, our junction falls prey to stupid senseless shootings.

I refuse to face a day where I have to walk through a metal detector to get dinner. Not sure when or why guns have become the entry fee for a common drunk fight, but I don’t like how 2009 is starting. I hope they catch these losers and make an example of them (life in prison) before they, or one of their friends, shoot my kid.

Toddin Westwood February 2, 2009 (4:18 pm)

I am so sorry for his family and friends. Terrible thing to happen, in any area of town.
The one thing I am REALLY angry about, it the media will not give us ANY details on the shooters. I know it isnt very PC, but you know how many white sedans there are in the city.

my un-p.c. two cents…

WSB February 2, 2009 (4:22 pm)

Todd, the “media,” of which I am one, is giving you all the details we can get. I published everything last night that I heard on the scanner, including white sedan, maybe Lexus, maybe Camry (and this was in addition to what Christopher learned at the scene, where he spent a couple hours finding information and getting photos). First scanner report said one black male and one Hispanic male, second scanner report later (both of which I published) said two black males with dreadlocks. I am calling police again in about two minutes but believe me, THIS IS ALL THEY HAVE RELEASED. It has nothing to do with “the media.”

James Egan February 2, 2009 (4:27 pm)

Wow that is so totally messed up! We should have a video around the area.

Vanessa February 2, 2009 (4:34 pm)

How do we “fight violence”? How about we start with more strict gun laws and take away the guns? Can you imagine our country without guns? Am am nearly speechless at the sadness of this crime. How many children will we lose before there is enough outrage to CHANGE THE GUN LAWS? I am afraid I’ll never see it in my lifetime…and the rest of the world just shakes their heads at what a violent nation the U.S. is. I am so so sorry for this family and his friends. May these criminals who have no regard for life, may you burn in hell, soon.

glocson February 2, 2009 (4:52 pm)

“An eye for an eye makes for a blind world” What a sad thing. 26 years old? Damn! Somebody knows who did this. I hope they will be caught soon.

Stuart February 2, 2009 (5:09 pm)

Here’s a link to a bit more…
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/seattle911/archives/161004.asp
I don’t think the ‘right to bear arms’ really meant to include stuff like this. Sad.

Meghan February 2, 2009 (5:15 pm)

This is so sad and tragic, it’s almost unfathomable. My heart aches for that family. Just in the past few months, we’ve had this murder, armed robberies, pets stolen, and god only knows how many assaults, burglaries and acts of vandalism in W. Seattle. A good reminder that we are part of a major city and must all be more diligent. But it’s also a reminder that no matter how diligent you are, horrific random acts of violence can happen anywhere. Ugh. Let’s all be nice to each other and do something good for someone else in this poor man’s name.

bsmomma February 2, 2009 (5:40 pm)

I have been waiting all day for the last name and hoping it wasn’t going to be Bushaw. My heart goes out to the family and all the many friends he has. Being the older sister of one of his friends and having gone through this sort of stuff on more than one accasion in my lifetime, I feel for what all these youg adults are about to go through. The best thing to do is celebrate the life everyone was able to share with him. Remember the good times and neer let them go. “An eye for an eye makes for a blind world” is a very good thing to remember……… Be there for eachother and continue makeing good memories.

Audrey February 2, 2009 (5:44 pm)

Meghan, you nailed it. There is so much negativity out there right now and we know that in times like these, people find great excuses to behave badly. But we don’t need to nor should we — there is just no excuse.

Meanwhile, with all the racial implications it’s no wonder the police are being cautious in what they will tell the media. Anyone who saw anything needs to help them out so they can bring these people to justice. I am surprised there hasn’t been better ID, however.

jr February 2, 2009 (6:09 pm)

What a tragedy.I pray that the family finds peace. Who would ever think this could happen to someone so young, especially in our neighborhood

rbj February 2, 2009 (6:16 pm)

I am tired of hearing people wanting desperately to be tougher on criminals like this. Aren’t we so indignant? Aren’t we so self-righteous?

We are dealing with humans here. We are dealing with ourselves.

I have never known people in West Seattle to be the nicest. We spew our flaming rhetoric from afar but we can’t muster up the energy to speak when the guy at the grocery store says hello to them.

This is the city we’re building. This is the neighborhood we live in. You don’t want stuff like this happening in the westside? We should try being friendlier with all types of people that live/work/play here. That includes the yuppies at the wine bars, the longshoreman at bars, the folks over at the karaoke bar, and the hipsters at the cocktail lounges.

Otherwise we watch people hate each other and we turn away from it with our noses pointed to the sky self-righteously deriding them for their attitudes. Then this type of stuff continues to shock and sadden us.

Sorry.

ssf February 2, 2009 (6:17 pm)

My heart and prayers go out to Steve’s family and friends. He was our sweet sunny neighbor always ready with a smile and a wave. He will be missed.

Ed February 2, 2009 (6:29 pm)

My heartfelt thanks to all of our “Junction Family” and visitors who tried to help last night. I am so thankful that no one else is hurt.

EmKay February 2, 2009 (6:37 pm)

Many thanks to the creators and managers of this blog for their professional work on behalf of a shocked and mourning community. I’m sure it would have been easier to simply publish chaos and blind scapegoating as your story.

In addition, a few early reaqder’s comments were immature and inappropriate to this tragic event; you correctly handled it without malice. Keep up the good work!

onceachef February 2, 2009 (6:49 pm)

I’m sorry rjb but I can’t buy into what you just wrote…there’s no “talking” a violent criminal out of shooting someone…you’re saying if were nice to everyone this won’t happen?…that’s naive at best. What is wrong with wanting us to be tougher on someone who just shot someone in cold blood? I don’t condone being rude to anyone, but this is another “level” of violence altogether….sorry there are people in our world who are hell-bent on just killing someone or multiple people…it’s often when people speak up they get in the crossfire. Many people go out of their way to help people and be courteous to everyone, but that’s not going to make a huge difference to someone with a gun…and someone who resolves his or her issues with that gun. This “type of stuff’ should continue to shock and sadden us..there’ll be no redemption without that happening.

rbj February 2, 2009 (7:06 pm)

I was trying to say that this is symptomatic of a greater ill onceachef, not that we should hold hands and bake brownies for each other.

I think you missed my point and I don’t have time to explain it right now.

onceachef February 2, 2009 (7:16 pm)

rjb-
maybe I did miss your point – I’d love to know what exactly it is…but the “symptoms” still don’t (shouldn’t)necessarily create extremely violent people…being rude to someone, anyone or everyone might affect your personal karma a bit (or a lot), but it’s not a sociologic pattern that necessarily leads people to being murderous. It’s an issue in itself (rudeness) but I’m not feeling the least bit sorry for the guy holding the gun…how can you not want to be tougher on someone who murders someone? Out of respect for the grieving family and friends, I personally want to be tougher…short of the death penalty…life in prison will do.

Audrey February 2, 2009 (7:31 pm)

i am not defending this shooter but maybe rbj’s point is that we don’t know what precipitated this shooting. there is nothing that excuses this, nothing. but it’s a matter of degrees so maybe it was rbj’s metaphor, nothing else.

Chris February 2, 2009 (7:46 pm)

Yet, another reason not to go to Talarico’s.

Tim February 2, 2009 (7:49 pm)

I don’t understand what RJB is trying to say either. I don’t think it’s indignant or self-righteous to be outraged over a street-killing. Perhaps your way of trying to understand this is to try and blame everyone except the guilty parties. I would feel better if they were captured and punished.

egj February 2, 2009 (7:55 pm)

Steve you will be missed by many, my thoughts go out to your family.
iphonegeek, thatis NOT the point, please remember that a life is lost and that is the tragedy, your getting a pizza is not important to us.

Brandon February 2, 2009 (8:17 pm)

IPG – shallow as expected, only concerned about your hunger and expressing crap on the people trying to understand a tragedy. Do you see a tragedy here???
BTW, still haven’t seen why anyone is blaming Talarico’s, other than I don’t go there because they don’t allow kids. Too bad, EBay will gladly earn my dinero.

needinganswersfromspd! February 2, 2009 (8:20 pm)

this is horrible! why havent the police found anyone? there must have been many witnessess! im sure there is a helicopter search for teens who steal beer but a life is lost and all police are saying is that the shooter got away! this is horrible stevie was nice kid someone who grew up in our westseattle and was also killed in our west seattle! I am expecting answers from the seattle police department! my heart goes out to the family! and people who are talking about pizza should be ashamed!

sad February 2, 2009 (8:21 pm)

This is heartbreaking for the entire community. A young bright light wasted over senseless violence in the town center where he grew up. Sincere condolences to the family and friends at this time of great shock, pain, grief and mourning.

Melissa February 2, 2009 (9:29 pm)

I may be wrong about this, but I think that rbj is (a little backwards) suggesting that most of us could be a little kinder to each other. Brutality often grows out (a pretty long way out, but still out) of everyday unkindnesses that accrue to warp and twist a person into the kind of person who shoots someone else.

I walked by the memorial tonight and was deeply touched by the grief of the people there, as well as by the notes people have been leaving. Clearly this young man was beloved by many. May those who were directly affected by his death feel the sympathy of those around them. May those who are indirectly affected show kindness and sympathy towards others.

BusinessOwner February 2, 2009 (9:32 pm)

I grew up next to Steve, he moved away, but we were friends over the years!

Steve, you might have pissed off a lot of pep’s (including me), but you never deserved this!

I’ll be at your memorial. God Bless.

aaron reddog hobson February 2, 2009 (9:39 pm)

rip steve love you man love reddog

tj February 2, 2009 (9:39 pm)

needinganswersfromspd!…..

I assure you everything that can be done is being done…. and sometimes, it’s beneficial to an investigation not to give “answers” out the media and general public.. I’m thinking they’ve got somebody in mind at least…

You are dealing with one of the best police forces in the US, whose officers were through the door in 2 minutes…

It’s understandable that you are upset… but have a little faith.

janetj February 2, 2009 (9:53 pm)

This is such a terrible event for our West Seattle Community. Our hearts go out to Steve, his family and friends, as well as anyone who witnessed last night’s tragedy, as these people were affected as well. RJB’s comment woke us up a little bit to the fact that West Seattle can be a little “stuck up” and we see it on these blogs sometimes too – we do need to be kinder as a whole, I agree. However, last night’s incident was likely fueled by alcohol that sent a likely stupid arguement to a totally unnecessary level. God bless his family.

anonymous February 2, 2009 (10:21 pm)

Thank you to all of who have said prayers, and sorry for everyhting you have done “us” his family are so thankful.. you have no idea how much this means. we are trying to stay together and stay strong.. thank you all

Jessica Olson February 2, 2009 (10:42 pm)

Steve, you were a such a close friend of mine. You always put me in good moods, smiling all the time making me laugh. It feels like im going to wake up and its a dream. Every time I would go to kaylas and wills there steve would be hanging out with us,making fires, camping. I was so excited just to see you. you were the most caring, kind, loving person I have ever met. and you will be missed so much. You will always be in my heart.
Always.. Jess

Alice February 2, 2009 (10:45 pm)

Found him in my yearbook.

needinganswersfromspd! February 2, 2009 (11:31 pm)

I would have to disagree with tj, that is great that the police were there in 2 min, but we are talking about superbowl sunday..why werent there police making a presence in the junction? on the news they said that the people in the car where chasing him in a car firing shots…how can someone drive down the middle of california in the junction on superbowl sunday firing gun shots out there window and not having one cop car in the vacinity to hear this?

WSB February 2, 2009 (11:40 pm)

Who said the shots were fired from a car? I have been repeatedly in touch with SPD and that is not in any official account – nor was it described by anyone our reporter talked to at the scene shortly after it happened last night (and Christopher was the first news person there) – I also have monitored all the other media reports (on-air and online) to be sure something new hasn’t emerged somewhere, and I haven’t seen that. Saw a TV reporter at 11 pm carelessly gesturing southward on California Ave SW “they headed in that direction” but that was only to demonstrate the direction; nightside TV reporters get the story handed off to them at 3 pm and by then they’re recapping thirdhand versions of what co-workers did earlier.
These are the basics from police:
http://spdblotter.seattle.gov/2009/02/02/west-seattle-homicide-suspects-being-sought/
They elaborated a bit last night and said the suspects apparently ran through the breezeway on the west side of the street and fled in a car from there.

wssince77 February 3, 2009 (12:35 am)

needinganswersfromspd! You are so skewed in your thinking! Do you really expect an increased police presence for Superbowl Sunday for a game not involving the Hawks that was played 2500 miles and over for 5 hrs when the shooting occurred?? Or are you one of those that just needs to take a shot at the police to feel better about yourself and your obvious bias against them? Pathetic!

wssince77 February 3, 2009 (12:36 am)

(2500 miles away)

56bricks February 3, 2009 (1:09 am)

Fond memories of when West Seattle was West Seattle. Condolences to Steve’s family. And to West Seattle.

Angela VanDusen February 3, 2009 (1:42 am)

I knew him from high school, and as one of my friends put it tonight, it’s not only unbelievable that there was a murder in West Seattle, but it was someone we knew. It was really shocking.

needinganswersfromspd! February 3, 2009 (7:17 am)

Hey WSB im trying to find the exact language used but i was watching the 9pm news last night with a group of people who knew stevie and the news actually gave the impression that the shots were being fired from a car as he was running. i know the news said this because it started a huge debate on how they didnt even give the guy a chance by chasing him in a car while he was on foot. and wssince77 do you know me…uh no…im just saying that the public wants answers and looking for a african american and hispanic in a white car isnt really cutting it. I want answers because i knew the guy, he was a young kid and whatever he could have done he did not deserve such a untimely death. I just feel that somehow this could have been avoided.

1111 February 3, 2009 (8:54 am)

Does anyone have a good description of the car?

fed up with crime February 3, 2009 (8:55 am)

really tired of my tax money going to subsidized housing, food stamps and medical coupons and then to have the same people turn around and kill, steal, rob and rape.

I am really greatful the monorail plan was finally put to rest. last thing West Seattle needed was mass transit getting these criminals in and out of the good part of town.

if the races were reversed this would be considered a hate crime and the ACLU would be all over this. Were are they at NOW?

If officer Cox was shot point blank by a criminal in White Center then ANY ONE is fair game for these thugs.

Hopefully this state will one day finally use the death penalty…fat chance of that happening.

Westwood Resident February 3, 2009 (9:26 am)

Well it took six posts before a anti-gun post was made. Calling for stricter gun controls.
Vanessa…GET A CLUE. The “people” who committed this crime are more than likely ILLEGAL gun owners. Not amount of gun control laws or restrictions you place on the books will deter this type scum from getting guns.
You want decrease the amount of crimes committed by ILLEGAL gun owners? If you do I applaud you, but DO NOT make the mistake of lumping LEGAL and ILLEGAL gun owners in the same bunch.
A good place to start would be to place laws on the books that make it 10 year MINIMUM sentence, all time MUST be served, from ANY AND ALL crimes committed by ILLEGAL gun owners on top of the time for the actual crime. Make this law retroactive and remove ANY and ALL age restrictions, I don’t care if the person is 14 years old, they get a MINIMUM of 10 years in the state pen.
Us LEGAL gun owners, those of us that OBEY ALL THE LAWS and RESTRICTIONS on WHERE we can carry, are SICK and TIRED of being placed in the same category as the ILLEGAL gun owner. WE ABIDE by the LAWS for gun ownership.
Do a bit of research and tell me how many shootings/murders/crimes in the past 10 years, that have been committed using a gun, where the person committing that crime was a LEGAL gun owner. Then find out how many of those crimes were committed by ILLEGAL gun owners.
Laws, like locks, only keep honest people honest.

Richard February 3, 2009 (9:41 am)

If you need answers, then go to the source. Don’t rely on multi media agencies for defacto answers. I listen to 3 different reports and get 3 different versions as each group try to out scoop the other with “sensational, you heard it here first” accounts. Let the SPD have a chance to do their job first before the monday morning qb’s take over, it hasn’t even been 2 days yet and all they have to go on is what people have told them, and they need to filter that out. People have incredibly poor recall sometimes during stress. Which is why you get different versions of what happened. Lets be outraged at the perps, not the people trying to solve it.
So many people have come out in sorrow for the loss of their friend, I pass along my best to them.

A February 3, 2009 (10:56 am)

I can only hope that he was able to tell someone who did this to him. I believe I read earlier that he was speaking to the medics when they arrived.

billyru February 3, 2009 (11:22 am)

“really tired of my tax money going to subsidized housing, food stamps and medical coupons and then to have the same people turn around and kill, steal, rob and rape.” Huh?

What does this mean? Sounds a little racist to me! Grow up, West Seattle – it’s 2009.

Cali101 February 3, 2009 (11:25 am)

While I did not know Steve personally, my heart goes out to his family and those that love him. I hope that during this time of grief you can feel supported and comforted by your community and those who love you and Steve.

mj February 3, 2009 (12:07 pm)

My thoughts and prayers go out to Steve and the family.

The one thing I dont like to see here is the negativity toward Talaricos. They have been a big supporter of the community since their opening and it is extremely unfortunate that their name is getting stepped on by some. We should not pass judgment on them for a senseless act of violence that happened to occur outside their business.

fed up with crime February 3, 2009 (12:19 pm)

billyru – Racist? call it what you want…but unless the facts are dealt with it’s going to keep getting worse and worse. this town is way to PC to really discuss anything….look at the serious crime…Rainier, MLK and parts of White Center….you can interpret this how you want to but it does not change where the crime is coming from

GoHome February 3, 2009 (12:59 pm)

I read every one of these 51 posts. Incredible. Some of you guys just don’t get it. I totally agree that we ALL need to be more polite and gracious (don’t lower yourselves by not being so.) But, Seattle (beyond popular belief) is one of the rudest, self-centered cities I’ve ever been in. That said, this boy was murdered and we have the right to be PISSED OFF and the right to EXPECT action by those who we entrust to do so BEFORE it happens to someone else. These vermin are self-righteous criminals who engage in this behavior because they WANT to, not because their mommy didn’t hold them or no one said “hi” to them in the beer aisle at QFC. What does it mean that they were tough-guys with a gun shooting and murdering, but when it’s all over, they ran away like little girls. Most likely they are gang members and WILL DO IT AGAIN unless they are caught. And, spare me the indignation to convince me to think or say otherwise.

Cait February 3, 2009 (1:59 pm)

GoHome… I definitely get what you’re saying. I hope your view of Seattle changes one day. I’ve met plenty of great people here, but I swear… on this blog people come out of the woodwork with some of the craziest stuff. However, not being a West Seattle Troll Apologist, I just want to say I feel you.

I too am mad. I didn’t know Steve, but West Seattle is so small that it’s hard not to feel about this personally. I spent my childhood in the junction and it was a safe place… and as much as I hate and cannot understand why a life had to be taken I hate that two people with guns have the power to change the perception of a place, a neighborhood or a business. While the worst tragedy was losing a bright and kind young man what it does to communities is just as devastating and needless.

rbj February 3, 2009 (3:29 pm)

Wait. What happened?

Karaokeguy February 3, 2009 (3:43 pm)

If he was a black male that was killed, there would be an uproar. But since he was a white person, well..you know what the story is. I also know that a lot of the younger drinking late night crowd is coming from the south end such as Burien, White Center,DesMoines and such.

TeresaP February 3, 2009 (3:51 pm)

Welcome to the MTV lifestyle people. Call me racist, call me whatever you want but this type of violence is now considered “cool” in some parts of the younger generation. And we all know who and what fuels it.

Sad story.

rbj February 3, 2009 (3:59 pm)

I’d call you a person that subscribes to the “monkey-see monkey-do” theory of violence.

WSB February 3, 2009 (4:03 pm)

Warning:
Racism IS offlimits on WSB.
As is sexism, sizism, sexual-orientation-based criticism, any sort of criticism based on traits with which people are born.
The FACTS of this story, as presented by police, are that the suspects were described as black, and we know that the victim was white.
However, there has been NO information presented ANYWHERE that ANYTHING race-based had ANYTHING to do with it, so I want to shut down that line of discussion RIGHT NOW. We have very few rules, but that’s one of them. If anything emerges during the investigation suggesting that anything race-related had anything to do with this, then it’s a valid topic. Otherwise, it’s no more relevant than eye color, height, clothing style, any other external characteristic you might name, and it’s ugliness that is not allowed here. Nothing that has been said so far has violated the rule but I can see it coming down the tracks and so I want to make sure you all are VERY clear on our rules. Thanks – TR (WSB editor/co-publisher)

rbj February 3, 2009 (4:08 pm)

sizism?

no smokeism either people!

Sean February 3, 2009 (4:35 pm)

Where’s the evidence from all the cameras that must be pointed at the California / Alaska all-walk intersection? There must be at least some coverage of this area, I’d be willing to bet that there is video evidence of this crime taking place somewhere.
Any hackers out there wanting to prove your skills?

JW February 3, 2009 (4:54 pm)

I feel terrible that someone was killed just down the street. I hate that this happened, and my heart goes out to the vicim’s friends and family.

I don’t really understand or agree with the proposed linkage between general perceived rudeness in Seattle and this crime.

I am from a small town in the Midwest that one could perceive as some sort of Mayberry. Crime and murder happen there too. People are friendly and unfriendly and comforting and rude there too.

As far as “rudeness” goes, I think people often amplify what they expect to see. I also find that being actively friendly makes it likely that you’ll get that back from others. I also don’t think it’s possible or practical or desirable for anyone to walk around grinning at everyone and taking on everyone in the entire neighborhood as their friend.

Liz February 3, 2009 (4:59 pm)

Stevie was such a wonderful person to be around. I grew up with him, his sister and his parents being like my second parents. It saddens me so deeply that i still can’t believe this has happened. It truly feels like a piece of my heart has been shattered. Things just don’t seem right!! How DARE someone dictate when another person’s life is over. It doesn’t matter if there was an argument or words exchanged before this occurred – NO ONE deserves this!!! Stevie…You have touched more lives than you know, you have given so many people such a wonderful gift of knowing you!! You will always be missed!!! Love you little bro!!! RIP xoxo

fed up with crime February 3, 2009 (5:12 pm)

any story on the latest west seattle stabbing – the one Monday night in highland park at the playfield? story was in the PI….you can guess the details of the stabbing

AW February 3, 2009 (5:33 pm)

As a West Seattle resident, employee of Talarico’s and fellow human being on this planet, I must say that I can speak for my fellow co-workers, patrons of the Junction, and the entire community in saying that our hearts poor out for the family and friends of Mr. Bushaw. This is not only a tragedy for W. Seattle, but for the many lives that Stevie has touched in his 26 years. Talking with his close friends while the memorial was being set up just showed how highly regarded in the community he was. Having been at the scene I must commend everyone present at this tragic shooting for the calmness and cooperation from the patrons, the professionalism of the staff, and the quick response of the SPD. He came into Talarico’s looking for help & everyone present was active in doing as much as posssible. If anything positive can arise from a horrible incident like this, is that we, as a community are not scared into our houses and weary of eachother, but come together and let these criminals know that we are strong. I am proud to be apart of the West Seattle community and urge all of us to come together and be apart of a solution to senseless violence like this. Again, my deepest condolences to all of Mr. Bushaw’s friends and family. Peace and Love. Aaron

V-Dubl February 3, 2009 (5:49 pm)

This is a terrible thing that has happened to a tight-knit community. But I think all of you who are blaming Talarico’s for the actions of your sons, brothers, friends, etc. are way off-base. The junction area is like any other lively neighborhood in the seattle-area… it could’ve been ballard, freemont, cap hill, belltown, etc. We should all be able to go out and enjoy ourselves, drink responsibly and respect each other. We should all start paying attention to each others’ actions and take care of each other when bad things are happening… and stop blaming others for our drunken behavior. The staff at Talarico’s have put themselves in harm’s way a million times simply adhering to these factors. If we start blaming establishments for our own bad behaviors… What does that say about our own community?
RIP to you Steve, you deserved a better way to leave this place…

glocson February 3, 2009 (5:54 pm)

And…. beware of who you talk back to. In this day and age there is plenty of criminals running around with guns. You don’t get shot just walking down the street. There is gun carrying”gangsters” even in West Seattle. You need to watch your back or be ready to fire back. Sad but true!

What The February 3, 2009 (6:51 pm)

Talarico’s had absolutely nothing to do with this shooting. The patrons and staff only tried to help. We live in different times now and I do agree that a simple “hello” from a stranger means something.

alkigirl February 3, 2009 (7:51 pm)

I cannot believe the idiotic statements so many have made here! Too many to quote, but as a 4th generation Alki Beach native, I don’t understand what has happened to good ‘ol West Side. Who are these morons making these statements? Have you lived here all of your lives, or did you transplant from California to steal our jobs, then state how “stuck up” we Westseattlites are? Probably bringing your “big town” crime with you. West Seattle USED to be “home town”. Did you know that people used to look down on WS because the city dump was here? Of course you don’t. You moved here from somewhere else because us home towners made WS what it is today….families like the Millers (Husky Deli). You “mouths” obviously don’t have a clue, and would do well to go back to where you came from, because you have no idea what WS people are really like. Stevie Bushaw was born and raised here, as were his mother and father. I have been friends with his mother for almost 40 years, and she raised a good son. He did not “bring this on” by talking back to someone….and even if he did, who gave the crazy morons the right to take his life? There are so many gangs here in WS anymore. I don’t feel that they have come from White Center or Des Moines….(very offensive by the way!) but probably more like where the “transplants” have come from!! Gotta have “bank” to buy nice cars, guns, and drugs. West Seattleites are not stuck up. If anything, the “transplants” are. WS “homies” are just that. We look out for one another. We got each others backs. Take a look in the mirror all you “mouths” making dumb ass statements. What color are YOU? Racism starts in the heart. Doesn’t matter what color you are on the outside. At any rate, Stevie Bushaw is gone. His parents and family are grieving. Shut up, unless you can turn the shooters in…. To Maggie and Ronnie…..my thoughts and prayers are with you….love you. Stevie will be missed….

Natalie E February 3, 2009 (8:46 pm)

It’s been a while since I last saw you but I still remember your face perfectly. You were like another big brother to me always picking on me and joking with me. You should know that your smile and attitude could light up a room. I’m away at school right now so I cant come to your memorial but just know you and your family are in my prayers.You are a great man and will never be forgotten. Love you Stevie<3

needinganswersfromspd! February 3, 2009 (8:59 pm)

well said alkigirl! well said!

glocson February 3, 2009 (11:30 pm)

Alkigirl:The only reason I’m still here in West Seattle is because I got stuck buying a house here. I didn’t know it was like being back in High school, where the “Natives” bully people around and say what goes. I’ve had friends killed before and was at the World Trade Centers on 9-11 so I know tragedies. Your attitude is ugly and one day you’ll probably get your self hurt. However I’m not on here to preach, just to see if they caught these punks yet.

alkigirl February 3, 2009 (11:53 pm)

Well thank you. I was fired up! How dare anyone call us “stuck up” as if to say that we deserve to have this violence on our hometown streets. Stevie was a great kid. There is not anything anyone could ever say to anyone to deserve to be gunned down on the streets they grew up on. May those scumbags rot in Hell….no wait. That would be too good for them. Send them to prison to rot and be tortured with their own thoughts for a while first. Then give them the death penalty. Yup. The death penalty. “An eye for an eye” does not create a blind society. It simply takes out those not fit to be in it! This country was founded on the Bible and the 10 commandments. Let us not forget that. Stevie, rest in peace. We know you are in a better place than we are. See you someday. Maggie and Ronnie….my thoughts are with you, and my heart goes out to you. I wish my prayers could take away your pain. Stevie is around you…feel him and listen….you’ll hear him speak to you in your dreams….it’s true.

alkigirl February 4, 2009 (12:29 am)

Glocson….sorry you feel that way about our town. For all of us that were born and raised here, and whose ancestors were pioneers here, and whose families built this town to be what it is today….we don’t appreciate “outsiders” coming in and trying to change what our families worked long and hard to build. If that makes us “bullies” I guess you are entitled to your own opinion. But I’ve known people from all walks of life, and from all over the world say that WS is one of the warmest and most welcoming places they’ve ever been. Maybe YOU are the bully, and just can’t handle such a tight knit community with everyone looking out for each other. And if my attitude is ugly, yours is ignorant….”an eye for an eye makes for a blind world”. Lets just let all the murderers run free….Outspoken does not = ugly just speaking the truth. Sorry if you can’t handle that.

Jiggers February 4, 2009 (1:19 am)

The cops will catch them. It’s only a matter of time. There are many cameras around that you don’t know of and that will nail those mofo’s.

wseattle February 4, 2009 (10:25 am)

alkigirl…for someone who is so close to Steven’s family you should be ashamed for your hurtful words or ridiculous quotes. Did you know an “outsider” was the one who called 911? Did you know that the “outsiders” were the ones helping Steven after he had been shot? Do you really have ANY CLUE what happened that night? My best guess would be ABSOLUTELY NOT. You should really keep your hateful and mean spirted commments to yourself b/c I’m sure his family wasn’t proud of the things you said and how your insulted ppl who had nothing to do with the crime. I don’t really think this is the proper forum for your to discuss how the “outsiders” are taking over West Seattle. I hope you read this one day and realize how ignorant you sound! RIP to the man i met one night!

Mario Lopez February 4, 2009 (10:59 am)

Steve I’m goning to miss you. The last time I saw you you crashed your car giving me a ride to the post office because my horror action figures were to much for me to carry. We had some good times back WSHS. Sorry.

glocson February 4, 2009 (4:52 pm)

“An eye for an eye makes for a blind world” Mohandas Gandhi

alkigirl February 5, 2009 (9:46 pm)

to glocson…Actually, I was quoting you…”an eye for an eye creates a blind world” which I take to mean if we “take an eye for an eye” we’ll end up not really seeing the things we should because we’ll all be blind. If someone is murdered in cold blood whether or not for “talking back” to somebody, then that somebody does not deserve to breath any longer either…hence “an eye for an eye”. Get rid of the people that have no morals. If they think they can play God, and take someones life, then they don’t deserve to live any longer themselves. These fools deserve the death penalty when caught, but if they aren’t….”Vengence is mine, sayeth the Lord”. It angers me to read the things people write here, regarding how “stuck up” WS people are, therefore, we must deserve this type of violence in our community? It’s all nonsense, and I admit I went off on a tangent, but all in defense of an innocent young man who was senselessly killed in his own home town! WS used to be a quiet little town of close knit families. Everyone knew each other. We were all connected in one way or another, and we all looked out for each other until people from who knows where all started moving in. Every Westseattleite I know is far from being rude, stuck up, blah, blah, blah….You implied that he must have “talked back” to the wrong person, and that “you don’t get shot just walking down the street”….so….what….he asked for it? Come on! What are you talking about, that I should be ashamed? HA! I am defending my turf, and the generations of fine WS people who’ve lived and worked here proudly for generations including Stevie’s family. NO ONE deserves to die like he did, and no family should ever have to bury their child. I am not ashamed to tell you that if you feel “stuck here” then why are you still here? There’s no chain tied to your butt. I’m proud to be a descendant of pilgrims that founded this town, and I’m proud to say that I knew Stevie, and that he didn’t deserve what happened to him….no matter what he may or may not have said to anyone. “And…. beware of who you talk back to. In this day and age there is plenty of criminals running around with guns. You don’t get shot just walking down the street. There is gun carrying”gangsters” even in West Seattle. You need to watch your back or be ready to fire back. Sad but true!” Comment by glocson — February 3, 09 5:54 pm #

I don’t take anything I said back, and I don’t think many would disagree with what I’ve stated here. I’m sorry that there are so many degenerate people out there, and that there are so many so quick to make judgements such as yours. Stevie may have said something to his killers, maybe not. Whatever, no one had the right to take his life, and anyone that would state “watch who you talk back to” must have the same arrogant mentality as some stupid idiot carrying a gun, ready to shoot someone for “mouthing off”.

Sorry, comment time is over.