Father allegedly shoots, kills 9-month-old son in Seattle

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) is investigating the death of a 9-month-old baby in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood.

Seattle police said 911 calls started coming in at about 6:20 p.m. on Wednesday. Multiple gunshots and screaming were heard. When police arrived at the home near 21st Avenue West and West Dravus Street, they first encountered the baby’s mother who told them her husband shot and killed their baby.

Seattle police responded to a home near 21st Avenue West and West Dravus Street. They first encountered a mother who told them her husband shot and killed their baby. (Photo: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio)

The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) pronounced the baby dead at the scene. The baby’s gender is not yet known.

Witnesses told KIRO 7 Wednesday night two suspects were handcuffed and arrested by police. The SPD Blotter post confirmed that report, saying two subjects were detained and are being interviewed by detectives.

They also reported numerous shell casings were found.

Crime blotter: More recent news about crimes in the Puget Sound region

“There was like screaming and a lot of commotion going on and there were like rumors about a domestic violence thing maybe happening and gunshots going off,” Neighbor Erin Smith told KIRO Newsradio.

Earlier in the evening, and in the same neighborhood, police said the man allegedly shot at two other people. He missed, but several cars were damaged.

Judge finds probable cause for murder charges

The man declined to appear at his first court appearance. According to an arrest report, he told officers he had used PCP and was seeing demons. He also stated he thought the gun was loaded with blanks. Prosecutors countered, he had fired the gun at people just a short time earlier and should have known it was loaded.

The judge found there is probable cause for the charges of murder in the first degree, two counts of assault in the first degree and unlawful possession of a firearm. Bail was set at $5 million.

Prosecutors said high bail was granted because of the nature of the crime, the nature of the charges and an extensive criminal history, including 14 felony convictions.

Peace has returned to the Magnolia neighborhood, but neighbors said they will never forget such a senseless death of one so young.

“We’re in nursing school and so as future nurses, I was crying. I cried a lot last night. It’s like you can’t really wrap your head around it,” Smith said.