Seattle Shooting: Three Killed in Targeted Gang Violence at Food Festival
The city of Seattle is in mourning after three people were killed in a shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival on Sunday. The victims were identified as Junior Cee Niko Semo, 19, Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44, and Ashley Whitehead, 56. Four others were injured in the incident, which police believe was a targeted act of gang violence.
On Monday evening, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson joined dozens of residents at a candlelight vigil at a local fountain. 'This is not acceptable,' Wilson said, condemning gun violence. 'No father, no parent should have to bury their child.'
Online fundraisers for two of the victims have raised tens of thousands of dollars. A GoFundMe page for Villalba described him as 'a devoted husband, loving father of three, and a loyal friend who would do anything for anyone.' The funds will go towards funeral expenses and supporting his family.
Whitehead's family said she was standing in line with her daughter when the shooting began. She died during surgery after exchanging 'heartfelt 'I love you's' with her eldest daughter, according to a family statement. Whitehead was described as 'a lover of life, art and family.'
The third victim, Semo, is suspected by police of being involved in the gunfight. Authorities believe at least two other suspects were involved, including a 15-year-old who is in custody and a third unidentified person. Police have recovered three guns from the scene, including an unregistered 'ghost gun' with an extended 33-bullet magazine and a pistol with a fully automatic switch.
Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson said the community was shocked and 'struggling to make sense of how an iconic community celebration could end in gunfire.'
The Bite of Seattle is an annual three-day free food festival that draws around 350,000 people. Sunday was its final day this year. Police Chief Shon Barnes said they are looking for a person who went to a hospital with a gunshot wound but left before speaking to officers.
