15-year-old taken into custody as police hunt for second suspect after Seattle festival shooting

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Three people were killed and four others, including a two-year-old boy, were injured after gunfire erupted during the Bite of Seattle food festival on Sunday, July 26. Police took a 15-year-old into custody and continued searching for a second suspected shooter.

Authorities said investigators believe two individuals exchanged gunfire outside the Seattle Center Armory, with multiple bystanders caught in the crossfire. Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson said officials believe the teenager opened fire into the crowd, though the investigation remains ongoing.

The juvenile has been booked into detention on suspicion of firearms violations and first-degree assault. No homicide charges have been filed, and the teen was expected to make an initial court appearance on Monday, July 27.

Police search for second Seattle shooting suspect

Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes said the shooting appeared to stem from a dispute between two small groups known to be in conflict with each other.

An active manhunt remains underway for the second suspected shooter. Police also said it is possible, though unconfirmed, that one of the three people killed may have been the second gunman.

The injured included a two-year-old boy, a 23-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman, and a 40-year-old woman. Authorities said the toddler’s condition had improved from stable to satisfactory, while the remaining victims suffered minor injuries or had already been discharged.

Investigators are also determining whether a 27-year-old man who arrived at a hospital on his own was connected to the shooting.

Rival groups' shootout sparks deadly Seattle festival chaos

Seattle Police said Monday that investigators now believe at least three people were involved in the shootout: a 15-year-old who has been arrested, a 19-year-old who was among those killed, and at least one unidentified suspect who remains at large.

Assistant Chief Nicole Powell said detectives believe the shooting may have been gang-related, with members of two groups firing at each other. Prosecutors are expected to review the case before deciding whether to file formal charges.

The victims were identified as Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44; Ashley Whitehead, 56; and Junior Cee Niko Semo, 19, who investigators believe was one of the shooters.

Four others were wounded, including a two-year-old boy, who remained in satisfactory condition. The remaining injured victims have been discharged from the hospital.