Seattle, Wash. Shooting Update — Authorities have identified the three people who were killed during a mass shooting at Seattle Center during the Bite of Seattle festival on Sunday evening, as investigators continue working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the deadly gunfire that left three people dead and four others injured.
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as Carlos Villalba, 44; Junior Cee Semo, 19; and Ashley Whitehead, 56. The shooting occurred shortly before 6:00 p.m. as thousands of people gathered at Seattle Center for the annual festival.
The Seattle Police Department responded to reports of gunfire at the crowded event and warned the public to avoid the area. Police said multiple people had been shot, prompting a large emergency response as festival attendees rushed to leave the area.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as people fled after shots rang out. Families reportedly grabbed children and ran for safety, while abandoned strollers, personal belongings, and vendor equipment were left behind as crowds attempted to escape the danger.
Investigators said multiple suspects were seen fleeing the scene, with witnesses reporting that at least one person was carrying what appeared to be an AR-style rifle. Police believe the shooting involved an exchange of gunfire between individuals in the crowded public area.
Authorities said Carlos Villalba suffered a gunshot wound to the torso and was pronounced dead at the scene. Friends and loved ones remembered Villalba as a compassionate and generous person, with one family friend describing him as “one of the best people on the planet you could meet.”
Junior Cee Semo, 19, also died at the scene after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities allege Semo was among the individuals involved in the exchange of gunfire. Investigators continue reviewing evidence to determine the exact sequence of events and the roles of everyone involved.
Ashley Whitehead, 56, was struck in the pelvis during the shooting and was transported to Harborview Medical Center, where doctors attempted life-saving treatment. Despite undergoing emergency surgery, Whitehead later died from her injuries.
Seattle police have arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with the shooting. According to court documents, investigators believe the teenager, Semo, and another suspect who remains at large were involved in the exchange of gunfire. The juvenile has been booked on firearms-related charges and first-degree assault, though officials said no homicide charges had been filed as of Monday while the investigation continued.
The shooting injured four additional people, including a 2-year-old boy who was listed in satisfactory condition at Harborview Medical Center. Three adult victims — a 39-year-old woman, a 23-year-old man, and a 27-year-old man — were treated and released from the hospital.
Seattle officials continue urging anyone with information, video footage, or eyewitness accounts from the incident to contact investigators. Police are asking members of the public to provide any details that could assist detectives as they work to identify additional suspects.
The investigation remains active as authorities examine the events that led to the deadly shooting during one of Seattle’s major summer gatherings. The victims’ families and the wider community continue mourning the lives lost in the tragedy.
