Seattle Police Seek Third Suspect After Deadly Food Festival Shooting

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Police investigating a deadly shooting at Seattle's annual Bite of Seattle food festival now believe at least three people were involved in the gunfight, expanding an investigation that has already left three people dead and four others injured, including a two-year-old boy.

The shooting erupted around 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, during the final hours of the three-day food festival at Seattle Center, near the city's iconic Space Needle. Authorities initially believed two suspects had exchanged gunfire, but investigators later concluded that at least three shooters were involved, with one suspect still at large.

As reported by the Associated Press (AP), investigators said a 15-year-old suspect was arrested shortly after the shooting, while another suspected gunman, identified as 19-year-old Junior Cee Niko Semo, was killed at the scene. Police are continuing their search for at least one additional suspect.

Assistant Police Chief Nicole Powell said preliminary findings suggest the violence may have been gang-related, involving two groups exchanging gunfire. She added that investigators believe the arrested teenager and Semo were associated, although authorities have not disclosed the nature of their relationship.

The teenage suspect waived his initial court appearance on Monday and remains in juvenile detention while prosecutors consider charges that include firearms violations and first-degree assault.

The King County Medical Examiner identified the victims as Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44, Ashley Whitehead, 56, and Semo, who investigators now believe was one of the shooters. Villalba died from a gunshot wound to the torso, Whitehead from a gunshot wound to the pelvis, while Semo sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

AP noted that Villalba was a husband and father of three known among family and friends for his generosity and willingness to help others. A fundraising campaign has since been launched to support his family with funeral expenses.

The four injured victims included a two-year-old boy, who remained in satisfactory condition on Monday. Three other victims—a 23-year-old man, a 27-year-old man, and a 39-year-old woman—were treated and later discharged from hospital.

Police said two firearms were recovered at the scene. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence as they work to identify the remaining suspect.

The incident unfolded at one of Seattle's largest annual public events, which attracts around 350,000 visitors each year. Panic spread quickly as gunfire rang out, sending festivalgoers scrambling for cover inside nearby buildings or fleeing the area.

According to the BBC, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson confirmed that police continue searching for a possible third suspect. She described the shooting as "an act of horrific violence."

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson also expressed condolences, saying his prayers were with the victims' families and first responders.

Witnesses described scenes of confusion and fear as crowds rushed to escape.

Faith Adia Hunter told AP she and several friends had just collected food from a crepe stand when they heard gunfire.

"We were right next to him when it started so we took off running," she said, adding that they sought shelter inside the Seattle Children's Museum.

Another witness, Leanne Coles, told CBS News that the crowd instinctively fled as shots were fired.

"Everybody started running, and so we just ran too," she said. "We ran through the garden and we ducked and we decided to keep running with the crowd."

Nearby resident Moises Perez opened his apartment to more than a dozen people seeking refuge after hearing gunshots outside.

Perez, whose brother was previously killed in gun violence in Mexico, said he felt compelled to help those escaping the violence.

"They were definitely in shock," his roommate, William Large, recalled. "A lot of people were crying, people were screaming, people were just in complete fear."

Police said dozens of officers assigned to the festival responded within seconds of the shooting. Authorities initially searched an IMAX theater after receiving reports that one suspect may have fled inside.

On Monday morning, food vendors were allowed to return briefly to retrieve equipment left behind as crowds fled. Grills, ovens, and unfinished meals remained scattered across parts of the festival grounds, while a visible bloodstain remained near the scene.

A candlelight vigil was scheduled for Monday evening at Seattle Center's International Fountain to honor the victims.

Authorities defended their handling of the investigation after conflicting public statements emerged in the hours following the shooting. While city officials initially indicated that two suspects had been detained, police later clarified that only one arrest had been made and that investigators were still determining the roles of those involved.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Read: US: Two Killed in Shooting in Seattle

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