Junior Cee Niko Semo, Ashley Whitehead, Seattle and Carlos Villalba Shooting-Death-Three Victims Identified After Deadly Seattle Center Shooting; 15-Year-Old Suspect Arrested
SEATTLE — The victims of a deadly shooting at Seattle Center on Sunday have been officially identified. The three individuals who lost their lives are Carlos Villalba, 44, Ashley Whitehead, 56, and Junior Cee Semo, 19, according to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The incident occurred around 6 p.m. during the popular Bite of Seattle event, which drew large crowds to the area. Law enforcement authorities confirmed that three people exchanged gunfire during the chaos, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities. In total, seven people were injured or killed in the shooting.
A 15-year-old boy was taken into custody shortly after the incident. Court documents reveal that he, along with Semo and another suspect still at large, was involved in the shooting. The teen waived his first court appearance on Monday, facing firearms violations and first-degree assault charges. Police have not yet arrested anyone on suspicion of homicide.
Victims Villalba and Semo died at the scene, both shot multiple times. Villalba was struck in the torso, while Semo was shot several times and succumbed to his injuries. A family friend described Villalba as “one of the best people on the planet,” emphasizing the tragedy of his loss. Ashley Whitehead was shot in the pelvis, transported to Harborview Medical Center, and later died despite surgical intervention.
Among the injured, a 39-year-old woman, a 23-year-old man, and a 27-year-old man were released from the hospital Monday. A 2-year-old boy, also wounded, remained in satisfactory condition at Harborview.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson addressed the media Monday, expressing concern over the violence. She confirmed that no arrests have been made yet for homicide. The shooting occurred in the midst of a bustling event with crowds walking shoulder-to-shoulder, highlighting the chaotic nature of the incident.
Seattle Police are actively investigating and urging witnesses to come forward. Tips can be submitted to SPD’s tip line at 206-233-5000. The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation has also announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of suspects.