Dion Montgomery: Seattle dad fatally shoots 9-month-old son under influence of hallucinogenic drug

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: A man from Washington was arrested on Wednesday, May 8, by Seattle police after he shot his 9-month-old son in the head while under the influence of a hallucinogenic drug.

According to an affidavit, the defendant, Dion Lamont Montgomery, 35, is currently facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with his son's death.

The child was later identified as Alaisea Matai Montgomery.

What did Seattle Police Department report?

According to a statement from the Seattle Police Department, officers were dispatched after a shooting incident was reported at approximately 6.30 pm on Wednesday. 

The incident took place in the vicinity of the 3000 block of 21st Avenue West situated just west of the Interbay Athletic Complex.

Witnesses informed the officers that Montgomery had discharged four to five shots at two individuals before fleeing the scene, as stated in the affidavit. 

Fortunately, neither bystander sustained injuries. Subsequently, following Montgomery's arrest, police received another report regarding a woman running around wielding a firearm and claiming that her child had been shot. 

The child's mother, identified as Montgomery's wife, informed authorities that she was in the bathroom at the time of the shooting. Upon questioning Montgomery about the noise, he allegedly claimed it was a blank. 

After noticing a gun in Montgomery's front pant pocket, his wife confiscated the weapon, after which Montgomery promptly left their residence, as per the affidavit. 

When Montgomery's wife went to check on their child, she tragically discovered that the child had been fatally shot. Distraught, she ran outside, where law enforcement officers took her into custody.

What did Dion Montgomery’s wife say?

During the investigation, Montgomery confessed to using PCP, a hallucinogenic drug commonly known as "angel dust", before the shooting and attributed his actions to a "demon", as stated in the affidavit. 

When the mother was questioned during the investigation, she revealed that she and her husband had both smoked marijuana on the day of the shooting, but she was unaware that he had consumed a hallucinogenic substance. 

She disclosed that Montgomery had previously attempted to take her life and that she avoids him when he exhibits a "weird look in his eyes".

According to HuffPost, Montgomery has a criminal history with multiple arrests on 14 felony charges, including theft, assault, and burglary. 

Prosecutors mentioned that Montgomery did not appear in court on Thursday, May 9, but was represented by his defense attorney. His bail was set at $5 million.

GoFundMe campaign started for 9-month-old Alaisea Matai Montgomery

After the death of the 9-month-old, identified as Alaisea Matai Montgomery according to a GoFundMe page, it was mentioned, "Ala is a strong, angelic, smart, sweet, witty young boy who’s life was taken far to early. His smile would captivate the attention of anyone in his vasinity. Tragically, his life was taken in an horrific way." 

As of Saturday, May 11, the fundraising campaign has collected over $1,000 USD out of its $10,000 goal.