Judge Tanya Thorp Orders Detention for 15-Year-Old Suspect in Deadly Seattle Food Festival Gunfight
A King County Superior Court Judge Tanya Thorp ordered a 15-year-old boy to be held in juvenile detention following a gunfight at the Bite of Seattle food festival. The shooting occurred at the Seattle Center Armory, where at least two people exchanged gunfire, potentially involving a third suspect who remains at large. The incident resulted in three deaths: Junior Cee Niko Semo, Ashley Whitehead, and Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba. Four other people, including a 2-year-old boy, were injured and are being treated at Harborview Medical Center. Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson stated that the shooting was an act of horrific violence that shattered a community celebration. Police are currently investigating whether the gunfight was gang-related, as officials noted two groups appeared to be firing at one another. The 15-year-old suspect is being held on suspicion of three counts of first-degree assault and one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. Authorities are reviewing video footage and analyzing bullet casings to establish a clearer picture of the events.