Festival Shootout Kills Three

SEATTLE — A deadly shootout during a crowded food festival near Seattle’s Space Needle left three people dead and four others wounded, including a 2-year-old boy, in violence that investigators believe may have been gang-related.

Gunfire erupted shortly after 6 p.m. Sunday during the closing hours of the Bite of Seattle at Seattle Center. Thousands of visitors were attending the annual festival when the shooting sent families, vendors and performers running for cover.

Seattle police said the confrontation appears to have involved at least three gunmen connected to two opposing groups. Investigators are examining the possibility that the exchange was related to gang activity, although a final motive has not been announced.

Authorities said there was no indication that festival visitors were intentionally targeted.

A 15-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene after surrendering to officers. The teenager was ordered held in juvenile detention while authorities investigate allegations involving first-degree assault and firearms violations. Officials emphasized that the teen had not been booked on a homicide charge as of Monday.

Another suspected shooter, identified as 19-year-old Junior Cee Niko Semo, died at the scene. Police continued searching for at least one additional person believed to have participated in the gunfire.

The two other people killed were identified as Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44, and Ashley Whitehead, 56. Villalba’s relatives described him as a devoted father of three.

Four people survived the shooting, including two men, a woman and the toddler. The child was reported in satisfactory condition and was later released from the hospital. The remaining wounded victims were expected to survive.

Officers assigned to festival security responded within moments, and some reportedly witnessed part of the gunfire. Investigators recovered at least two firearms and began reviewing surveillance recordings, cellphone videos and witness accounts.

Festivalgoers described scenes of panic as people left food, bags and personal belongings behind while seeking shelter inside museums and other nearby buildings. Vendors were escorted back to the festival grounds Monday to collect equipment and merchandise abandoned during the evacuation.

The shooting brought a tragic conclusion to one of Seattle’s largest annual celebrations. A candlelight vigil was planned near the Seattle Center International Fountain as the community mourned the victims and investigators continued working to determine exactly what triggered the deadly confrontation.