SEATTLE, Wash. — Newly filed court documents are providing additional insight into the relationships and events that preceded the deadly shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival, which left three people dead and five others injured at Seattle Center last month.
According to documents submitted by the Seattle Police Department, several people connected to those involved in the shooting had gathered before the festival in an apparent effort to “clear the air” and resolve tensions. Investigators are examining those relationships as they continue trying to determine what led to the gunfire.
One person identified in the court documents is a 20-year-old man who was arrested on three felony charges unrelated to the shooting. Police believe he may have some connection to the shooting, although authorities have not publicly detailed the nature of that suspected connection. The man told KUOW that 19-year-old Junior Cee Niko Semo, who was killed during the shooting, was like a younger brother to him.
The July 26 shooting erupted during the Bite of Seattle festival at Seattle Center. Police said two people were exchanging gunfire, sending attendees fleeing as bullets struck people in the crowd. Three people ultimately died and several others were injured, including a 2-year-old child.
Semo was among those killed. Court documents indicate investigators believe he was involved in the gunfire along with at least one other person. Police recovered shell casings from multiple firearms at the scene, and investigators are still working to determine which weapons fired the shots that killed each victim.
A 15-year-old boy has been charged with first-degree assault with a firearm enhancement and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection with the shooting. Prosecutors are seeking to have the teenager tried as an adult. Investigators have said the teen allegedly fired multiple times into a crowd, although preliminary ballistic findings indicated that his gun did not fire the bullets that killed two of the identified victims.
The newly revealed information about the gathering before the festival could help investigators understand whether an existing dispute or conflict contributed to the shooting. However, authorities have not publicly established that the pre-festival meeting directly caused or triggered the later violence.
The investigation remains active, and police have not ruled out additional arrests or charges as detectives continue examining the evidence and relationships among those involved.
The tragedy has continued to affect the Seattle community, with victims’ families and friends mourning those killed and survivors recovering from the violence. Authorities are expected to provide additional information as the investigation and court proceedings progress.
