Teen Charged in Deadly Bite of Seattle Shooting; Third Suspect Still Sought As Mayor Apologizes for Botched Response
601 3rd Ave N
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Summary
- A mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival at Seattle Center left three people dead and several others injured on the evening of July 26, 2026.
- Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from a gunfight between at least two people, with a 15-year-old suspect and a 19-year-old acquaintance, Junior Cee Niko Semo, exchanging gunfire with at least one other unknown suspect. Semo died at the scene, along with two bystanders.
- King County prosecutors have formally charged the 15-year-old suspect with Assault in the First Degree and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Court documents reveal his gun was not the weapon that killed the two bystanders who died, Carlos Sanchez-Villalba and Ashley Whitehead.
- A witness told investigators that an unidentified man in a light blue top fired the initial shots before fleeing the scene. Investigators are reviewing bodycam footage in an effort to identify this third suspect, who remains at large.
- Separately, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson issued a public apology Thursday for how the city communicated with the public in the hours following the shooting. Wilson said a miscommunication between her office and Seattle police led to an hours-long delay in confirming basic details, including whether a suspect was in custody and whether Seattle Center was secure.
- Anyone with information is asked to call the Seattle Police Tip Line at 206-233-5000.
Timeline
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson issued a public apology Thursday for how the city communicated with the public in the hours after the shooting. She cited a miscommunication between her office and Seattle police that caused an hours-long delay in confirming basic details, including whether a suspect was in custody and whether Seattle Center was secure.
Investigators are reviewing body cam footage in an effort to identify the third suspect.
Court documents reveal the teen's gun was not the one that killed victims Carlos Sanchez-Villalba and Ashley Whitehead.
King County prosecutors formally charged the 15-year-old suspect Tuesday with one count of Assault in the First Degree with a firearm enhancement and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Second Degree.
Police continue searching for a third suspect. No one has been formally arrested for homicide as the investigation continues.
A silent vigil will be held Wednesday, July 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the International Fountain in Seattle Center to honor those impacted by the shooting.
Seattle Police say they have recovered three weapons connected to the shooting: - A "ghost gun" 9mm with an extended 33-round magazine found on the 15-year-old suspect - A Springfield RO 9mm found but not used - A Glock .45 with an automatic switch and extended 40-round magazine discovered during cleanup Monday.
Investigators are reviewing Seattle Center surveillance footage, though no cameras were positioned where the shooting occurred.
All surviving victims — including the 2-year-old boy — have been discharged from the hospital and are recovering, per UW Medicine and Harborview Medical Center.
The King County prosecutor's office is expected to receive the case Wednesday for a charging decision.
The 15-year-old suspect was booked into the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center on suspicion of first-degree assault and firearms violations. No one has been formally arrested for homicide.
Investigators believe the shooting may have been gang-related, with two groups exchanging gunfire, per Seattle Police Assistant Chief Nicole Powell.
The King County Medical Examiner's Office identified the three victims who died. Junior Cee Niko Semo, 19, had multiple gunshot wounds. Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44, died from a gunshot wound to his torso. The third victim, Ashley Whitehead, 56, died at the hospital from a gunshot wound to her pelvis.
A 15-year-old boy is now in custody. A 19-year-old identified as Junior Cee Niko Semo died at the scene and is believed to have been one of the shooters. At least one additional unknown suspect remains at large.
Court documents allege at least three suspects were involved in a gunfight at the Bite of Seattle festival.
The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of any outstanding suspects.
Mayor Katie Wilson has described the shooting as "an unbelievable tragedy." Acting Chief Tyrone Davis credited officers on scene with preventing more victims from being hurt.
One suspect — described as a "young person" — is in custody and expected in court Monday morning. A second suspect remains at large. The FBI is assisting in the search.
An additional victim died at Harborview Medical Center, bringing the total death toll to three, per Seattle Police.
An officer is providing information at the ongoing public briefing about the shooting.
Officials provide updates on the Seattle Center shooting at a public news conference.
Emergency responders continue to secure the Bite of Seattle festival area amid ongoing investigation.
The gunfire took place during the Bite of Seattle festival.
Three adult women and a man were the other injured, including a 56-year-old woman in serious condition.
A 2-year-old boy is reportedly in stable condition.
An additional five people were struck, bringing the total shot to seven.
Officials have confirmed that two victims have been pronounced dead.
User-shared video shows the FBI present at the scene.
Police have blocked traffic and are directing pedestrians near the festival area with K-9 support.
A canvass for additional injuries continues at the scene.
Emergency responders treat individuals and manage the scene near the damaged vehicle at Seattle Center.
The address reported for this incident has changed to 601 3rd Ave N.
Firefighters attend to a damaged vehicle under fallen branches near emergency vehicles.
Responders are investigating the playground area following reports of gunshots.
A Citizen user reports hearing gunshots in the area.
Incident reported at 321 Mercer St.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson issued a public apology Thursday for how the city communicated with the public in the hours after the shooting. She cited a miscommunication between her office and Seattle police that caused an hours-long delay in confirming basic details, including whether a suspect was in custody and whether Seattle Center was secure.
Investigators are reviewing body cam footage in an effort to identify the third suspect.
Court documents reveal the teen's gun was not the one that killed victims Carlos Sanchez-Villalba and Ashley Whitehead.
King County prosecutors formally charged the 15-year-old suspect Tuesday with one count of Assault in the First Degree with a firearm enhancement and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Second Degree.
Police continue searching for a third suspect. No one has been formally arrested for homicide as the investigation continues.
A silent vigil will be held Wednesday, July 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the International Fountain in Seattle Center to honor those impacted by the shooting.
Seattle Police say they have recovered three weapons connected to the shooting: - A "ghost gun" 9mm with an extended 33-round magazine found on the 15-year-old suspect - A Springfield RO 9mm found but not used - A Glock .45 with an automatic switch and extended 40-round magazine discovered during cleanup Monday.
Investigators are reviewing Seattle Center surveillance footage, though no cameras were positioned where the shooting occurred.
All surviving victims — including the 2-year-old boy — have been discharged from the hospital and are recovering, per UW Medicine and Harborview Medical Center.
The King County prosecutor's office is expected to receive the case Wednesday for a charging decision.
The 15-year-old suspect was booked into the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center on suspicion of first-degree assault and firearms violations. No one has been formally arrested for homicide.
Investigators believe the shooting may have been gang-related, with two groups exchanging gunfire, per Seattle Police Assistant Chief Nicole Powell.
The King County Medical Examiner's Office identified the three victims who died. Junior Cee Niko Semo, 19, had multiple gunshot wounds. Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44, died from a gunshot wound to his torso. The third victim, Ashley Whitehead, 56, died at the hospital from a gunshot wound to her pelvis.
A 15-year-old boy is now in custody. A 19-year-old identified as Junior Cee Niko Semo died at the scene and is believed to have been one of the shooters. At least one additional unknown suspect remains at large.
Court documents allege at least three suspects were involved in a gunfight at the Bite of Seattle festival.
The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of any outstanding suspects.
Mayor Katie Wilson has described the shooting as "an unbelievable tragedy." Acting Chief Tyrone Davis credited officers on scene with preventing more victims from being hurt.
One suspect — described as a "young person" — is in custody and expected in court Monday morning. A second suspect remains at large. The FBI is assisting in the search.
An additional victim died at Harborview Medical Center, bringing the total death toll to three, per Seattle Police.
An officer is providing information at the ongoing public briefing about the shooting.
Officials provide updates on the Seattle Center shooting at a public news conference.
Emergency responders continue to secure the Bite of Seattle festival area amid ongoing investigation.
The gunfire took place during the Bite of Seattle festival.
Three adult women and a man were the other injured, including a 56-year-old woman in serious condition.
A 2-year-old boy is reportedly in stable condition.
An additional five people were struck, bringing the total shot to seven.
Officials have confirmed that two victims have been pronounced dead.
User-shared video shows the FBI present at the scene.
Police have blocked traffic and are directing pedestrians near the festival area with K-9 support.
A canvass for additional injuries continues at the scene.
Emergency responders treat individuals and manage the scene near the damaged vehicle at Seattle Center.
The address reported for this incident has changed to 601 3rd Ave N.
Firefighters attend to a damaged vehicle under fallen branches near emergency vehicles.
Responders are investigating the playground area following reports of gunshots.
A Citizen user reports hearing gunshots in the area.
Incident reported at 321 Mercer St.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson issued a public apology Thursday for how the city communicated with the public in the hours after the shooting. She cited a miscommunication between her office and Seattle police that caused an hours-long delay in confirming basic details, including whether a suspect was in custody and whether Seattle Center was secure.
Investigators are reviewing body cam footage in an effort to identify the third suspect.
Court documents reveal the teen's gun was not the one that killed victims Carlos Sanchez-Villalba and Ashley Whitehead.
King County prosecutors formally charged the 15-year-old suspect Tuesday with one count of Assault in the First Degree with a firearm enhancement and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Second Degree.
Police continue searching for a third suspect. No one has been formally arrested for homicide as the investigation continues.
A silent vigil will be held Wednesday, July 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the International Fountain in Seattle Center to honor those impacted by the shooting.
Seattle Police say they have recovered three weapons connected to the shooting: - A "ghost gun" 9mm with an extended 33-round magazine found on the 15-year-old suspect - A Springfield RO 9mm found but not used - A Glock .45 with an automatic switch and extended 40-round magazine discovered during cleanup Monday.
Investigators are reviewing Seattle Center surveillance footage, though no cameras were positioned where the shooting occurred.
All surviving victims — including the 2-year-old boy — have been discharged from the hospital and are recovering, per UW Medicine and Harborview Medical Center.
The King County prosecutor's office is expected to receive the case Wednesday for a charging decision.
The 15-year-old suspect was booked into the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center on suspicion of first-degree assault and firearms violations. No one has been formally arrested for homicide.
Investigators believe the shooting may have been gang-related, with two groups exchanging gunfire, per Seattle Police Assistant Chief Nicole Powell.
The King County Medical Examiner's Office identified the three victims who died. Junior Cee Niko Semo, 19, had multiple gunshot wounds. Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44, died from a gunshot wound to his torso. The third victim, Ashley Whitehead, 56, died at the hospital from a gunshot wound to her pelvis.
A 15-year-old boy is now in custody. A 19-year-old identified as Junior Cee Niko Semo died at the scene and is believed to have been one of the shooters. At least one additional unknown suspect remains at large.
Court documents allege at least three suspects were involved in a gunfight at the Bite of Seattle festival.
The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of any outstanding suspects.
Mayor Katie Wilson has described the shooting as "an unbelievable tragedy." Acting Chief Tyrone Davis credited officers on scene with preventing more victims from being hurt.
One suspect — described as a "young person" — is in custody and expected in court Monday morning. A second suspect remains at large. The FBI is assisting in the search.
An additional victim died at Harborview Medical Center, bringing the total death toll to three, per Seattle Police.
An officer is providing information at the ongoing public briefing about the shooting.
Officials provide updates on the Seattle Center shooting at a public news conference.
Emergency responders continue to secure the Bite of Seattle festival area amid ongoing investigation.
The gunfire took place during the Bite of Seattle festival.
Three adult women and a man were the other injured, including a 56-year-old woman in serious condition.
A 2-year-old boy is reportedly in stable condition.
An additional five people were struck, bringing the total shot to seven.
Officials have confirmed that two victims have been pronounced dead.
User-shared video shows the FBI present at the scene.
Police have blocked traffic and are directing pedestrians near the festival area with K-9 support.
A canvass for additional injuries continues at the scene.
Emergency responders treat individuals and manage the scene near the damaged vehicle at Seattle Center.
The address reported for this incident has changed to 601 3rd Ave N.
Firefighters attend to a damaged vehicle under fallen branches near emergency vehicles.
Responders are investigating the playground area following reports of gunshots.
A Citizen user reports hearing gunshots in the area.
Incident reported at 321 Mercer St.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson issued a public apology Thursday for how the city communicated with the public in the hours after the shooting. She cited a miscommunication between her office and Seattle police that caused an hours-long delay in confirming basic details, including whether a suspect was in custody and whether Seattle Center was secure.
Investigators are reviewing body cam footage in an effort to identify the third suspect.
Court documents reveal the teen's gun was not the one that killed victims Carlos Sanchez-Villalba and Ashley Whitehead.
King County prosecutors formally charged the 15-year-old suspect Tuesday with one count of Assault in the First Degree with a firearm enhancement and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Second Degree.
Police continue searching for a third suspect. No one has been formally arrested for homicide as the investigation continues.
A silent vigil will be held Wednesday, July 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the International Fountain in Seattle Center to honor those impacted by the shooting.
Seattle Police say they have recovered three weapons connected to the shooting: - A "ghost gun" 9mm with an extended 33-round magazine found on the 15-year-old suspect - A Springfield RO 9mm found but not used - A Glock .45 with an automatic switch and extended 40-round magazine discovered during cleanup Monday.
Investigators are reviewing Seattle Center surveillance footage, though no cameras were positioned where the shooting occurred.
All surviving victims — including the 2-year-old boy — have been discharged from the hospital and are recovering, per UW Medicine and Harborview Medical Center.
The King County prosecutor's office is expected to receive the case Wednesday for a charging decision.
The 15-year-old suspect was booked into the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center on suspicion of first-degree assault and firearms violations. No one has been formally arrested for homicide.
Investigators believe the shooting may have been gang-related, with two groups exchanging gunfire, per Seattle Police Assistant Chief Nicole Powell.
The King County Medical Examiner's Office identified the three victims who died. Junior Cee Niko Semo, 19, had multiple gunshot wounds. Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44, died from a gunshot wound to his torso. The third victim, Ashley Whitehead, 56, died at the hospital from a gunshot wound to her pelvis.
A 15-year-old boy is now in custody. A 19-year-old identified as Junior Cee Niko Semo died at the scene and is believed to have been one of the shooters. At least one additional unknown suspect remains at large.
Court documents allege at least three suspects were involved in a gunfight at the Bite of Seattle festival.
The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of any outstanding suspects.
Mayor Katie Wilson has described the shooting as "an unbelievable tragedy." Acting Chief Tyrone Davis credited officers on scene with preventing more victims from being hurt.
One suspect — described as a "young person" — is in custody and expected in court Monday morning. A second suspect remains at large. The FBI is assisting in the search.
An additional victim died at Harborview Medical Center, bringing the total death toll to three, per Seattle Police.
An officer is providing information at the ongoing public briefing about the shooting.
Officials provide updates on the Seattle Center shooting at a public news conference.
Emergency responders continue to secure the Bite of Seattle festival area amid ongoing investigation.
The gunfire took place during the Bite of Seattle festival.
Three adult women and a man were the other injured, including a 56-year-old woman in serious condition.
A 2-year-old boy is reportedly in stable condition.
An additional five people were struck, bringing the total shot to seven.
Officials have confirmed that two victims have been pronounced dead.
User-shared video shows the FBI present at the scene.
Police have blocked traffic and are directing pedestrians near the festival area with K-9 support.
A canvass for additional injuries continues at the scene.
Emergency responders treat individuals and manage the scene near the damaged vehicle at Seattle Center.
The address reported for this incident has changed to 601 3rd Ave N.
Firefighters attend to a damaged vehicle under fallen branches near emergency vehicles.
Responders are investigating the playground area following reports of gunshots.
A Citizen user reports hearing gunshots in the area.
Incident reported at 321 Mercer St.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson issued a public apology Thursday for how the city communicated with the public in the hours after the shooting. She cited a miscommunication between her office and Seattle police that caused an hours-long delay in confirming basic details, including whether a suspect was in custody and whether Seattle Center was secure.
Investigators are reviewing body cam footage in an effort to identify the third suspect.
Court documents reveal the teen's gun was not the one that killed victims Carlos Sanchez-Villalba and Ashley Whitehead.
King County prosecutors formally charged the 15-year-old suspect Tuesday with one count of Assault in the First Degree with a firearm enhancement and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Second Degree.
Police continue searching for a third suspect. No one has been formally arrested for homicide as the investigation continues.
A silent vigil will be held Wednesday, July 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the International Fountain in Seattle Center to honor those impacted by the shooting.
Seattle Police say they have recovered three weapons connected to the shooting: - A "ghost gun" 9mm with an extended 33-round magazine found on the 15-year-old suspect - A Springfield RO 9mm found but not used - A Glock .45 with an automatic switch and extended 40-round magazine discovered during cleanup Monday.
Investigators are reviewing Seattle Center surveillance footage, though no cameras were positioned where the shooting occurred.
All surviving victims — including the 2-year-old boy — have been discharged from the hospital and are recovering, per UW Medicine and Harborview Medical Center.
The King County prosecutor's office is expected to receive the case Wednesday for a charging decision.
The 15-year-old suspect was booked into the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center on suspicion of first-degree assault and firearms violations. No one has been formally arrested for homicide.
Investigators believe the shooting may have been gang-related, with two groups exchanging gunfire, per Seattle Police Assistant Chief Nicole Powell.
The King County Medical Examiner's Office identified the three victims who died. Junior Cee Niko Semo, 19, had multiple gunshot wounds. Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44, died from a gunshot wound to his torso. The third victim, Ashley Whitehead, 56, died at the hospital from a gunshot wound to her pelvis.
A 15-year-old boy is now in custody. A 19-year-old identified as Junior Cee Niko Semo died at the scene and is believed to have been one of the shooters. At least one additional unknown suspect remains at large.
Court documents allege at least three suspects were involved in a gunfight at the Bite of Seattle festival.
The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of any outstanding suspects.
Mayor Katie Wilson has described the shooting as "an unbelievable tragedy." Acting Chief Tyrone Davis credited officers on scene with preventing more victims from being hurt.
One suspect — described as a "young person" — is in custody and expected in court Monday morning. A second suspect remains at large. The FBI is assisting in the search.
An additional victim died at Harborview Medical Center, bringing the total death toll to three, per Seattle Police.
An officer is providing information at the ongoing public briefing about the shooting.
Officials provide updates on the Seattle Center shooting at a public news conference.
Emergency responders continue to secure the Bite of Seattle festival area amid ongoing investigation.
The gunfire took place during the Bite of Seattle festival.
Three adult women and a man were the other injured, including a 56-year-old woman in serious condition.
A 2-year-old boy is reportedly in stable condition.
An additional five people were struck, bringing the total shot to seven.
Officials have confirmed that two victims have been pronounced dead.
User-shared video shows the FBI present at the scene.
Police have blocked traffic and are directing pedestrians near the festival area with K-9 support.
A canvass for additional injuries continues at the scene.
Emergency responders treat individuals and manage the scene near the damaged vehicle at Seattle Center.
The address reported for this incident has changed to 601 3rd Ave N.
Firefighters attend to a damaged vehicle under fallen branches near emergency vehicles.
Responders are investigating the playground area following reports of gunshots.
A Citizen user reports hearing gunshots in the area.
Incident reported at 321 Mercer St.
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Comments30
These kids just throwing their lives away. Makes me hug my teen a bit closer and longer. Man y’all have to actually parent these kids. Keep them busy with activities and volunteering. If you need help, seek youth mentorship programs. Pay attention to the company your child keeps and check their phones. God help us all.
Well said and that what works
Arrest criminals and keep them behind bars.
Prevent it from happening in the first place.
the people in the comments trying to spread their agendas like people didn’t just lose their lives are sickening
None of you will benefit from political discussions. You won’t change anyone’s mind. Just pay your respects and act like an adult
@ZAWARUDOOOO WHAT JUST COMLPY !NEVER
These kids just throwing their lives away. Makes me hug my teen a bit closer and longer. Man y’all have to actually parent these kids. Keep them busy with activities and volunteering. If you need help, seek youth mentorship programs. Pay attention to the company your child keeps and check their phones. God help us all.
Well said and that what works
Arrest criminals and keep them behind bars.
Prevent it from happening in the first place.
the people in the comments trying to spread their agendas like people didn’t just lose their lives are sickening
None of you will benefit from political discussions. You won’t change anyone’s mind. Just pay your respects and act like an adult
@ZAWARUDOOOO WHAT JUST COMLPY !NEVER
These kids just throwing their lives away. Makes me hug my teen a bit closer and longer. Man y’all have to actually parent these kids. Keep them busy with activities and volunteering. If you need help, seek youth mentorship programs. Pay attention to the company your child keeps and check their phones. God help us all.
Well said and that what works
Arrest criminals and keep them behind bars.
Prevent it from happening in the first place.
the people in the comments trying to spread their agendas like people didn’t just lose their lives are sickening
None of you will benefit from political discussions. You won’t change anyone’s mind. Just pay your respects and act like an adult
@ZAWARUDOOOO WHAT JUST COMLPY !NEVER
These kids just throwing their lives away. Makes me hug my teen a bit closer and longer. Man y’all have to actually parent these kids. Keep them busy with activities and volunteering. If you need help, seek youth mentorship programs. Pay attention to the company your child keeps and check their phones. God help us all.
Well said and that what works
Arrest criminals and keep them behind bars.
Prevent it from happening in the first place.
the people in the comments trying to spread their agendas like people didn’t just lose their lives are sickening
None of you will benefit from political discussions. You won’t change anyone’s mind. Just pay your respects and act like an adult
@ZAWARUDOOOO WHAT JUST COMLPY !NEVER
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These kids just throwing their lives away. Makes me hug my teen a bit closer and longer. Man y’all have to actually parent these kids. Keep them busy with activities and volunteering. If you need help, seek youth mentorship programs. Pay attention to the company your child keeps and check their phones. God help us all.
Well said and that what works
Arrest criminals and keep them behind bars.
Prevent it from happening in the first place.
the people in the comments trying to spread their agendas like people didn’t just lose their lives are sickening
None of you will benefit from political discussions. You won’t change anyone’s mind. Just pay your respects and act like an adult
@ZAWARUDOOOO WHAT JUST COMLPY !NEVER