Police: Bullets that killed bystanders at Seattle festival not from teen's gun
Key Points:
- A 15-year-old was arrested for firing an untraceable ghost gun during a shootout at Seattle's Bite of Seattle festival, but ballistic tests show the bullets that killed two bystanders did not come from that weapon.
- The King County prosecutor charged the teen with first-degree assault with a firearm enhancement and unlawful possession of a handgun by a minor, and has requested the case be moved to adult court.
- The shooting involved at least four guns, resulted in three deaths including a 19-year-old suspect, and left multiple injured, including a toddler; authorities believe the violence was gang-related.
- Police are still seeking to identify other suspects involved and are investigating surveillance footage and witness accounts, while urging an unidentified person with a possible gunshot wound to come forward.
- If tried as an adult, the teen faces 8-10 years plus possible additional time for the firearm enhancement, whereas juvenile court sentencing ranges from 2 to 2.5 years, with judges having discretion on sentencing even if convicted in adult court.