New court documents are shedding fresh light on Sunday night's deadly shooting at the Bite of Seattle, and they complicate the picture investigators first described. According to a preliminary analysis from the crime lab, the gun recovered from the 15-year-old suspect who was detained at the scene is not the weapon that killed the two innocent bystanders who died in the crossfire at Seattle Center.
Even so, the documents state that officers witnessed the 15-year-old firing a handgun into a crowd of people before he was taken into custody. A gun was found in his coat, and he now faces charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and assault. As one official explained, a person does not have to strike someone specifically for that assault charge to be filed, and the wider investigation remains open.
Prosecutors also allege that the teenager said "love you bro" to a 19-year-old whom police have described as an associate. That 19-year-old suspect died at the scene. The court records acknowledge that investigators are still searching for at least one other suspect, though the police department has not released any details about who they are looking for.
King County prosecutors filed a motion to try the 15-year-old as an adult. That decision will ultimately rest with a judge and could take months to resolve. A court hearing has been scheduled, but the teenager is not expected to enter a plea until the question of jurisdiction, juvenile or adult court, is settled.
To gather more evidence, the police department launched a QR code linking to an online portal where witnesses can submit photos, videos or any other details from Sunday's shooting. Tips can also be shared through the violent crimes tip line at 206-233-5000, and investigators have said body-worn camera footage could play a role in piecing together the moments when the shots rang out.
As the investigation continues, the community has turned to mourning. On Wednesday evening a silent vigil was held at the International Fountain at Seattle Center, organized by the mayor's office alongside the police and fire departments to give people a space to reflect and grieve. Dozens of people of all ages left flowers and handwritten messages at the water's edge for the victims and survivors.
The two innocent bystanders killed in the shooting have been identified as 44-year-old Carlos Vialba and 56-year-old Ashley Whitehead, and four other people survived. The gathering followed a larger, emotional vigil on Monday attended by more than 100 loved ones. Police Chief Sean Barnes stopped by briefly to place flowers, while Fire Chief Harold Scoggins stayed through the evening to comfort those who came to pay their respects.