Murder charge in stray-bullet killing of Seattle dad

The man arrested Thursday for the murder of an innocent
driver in Seattle’s Central area last May is now charged
with second degree murder.

The King County Prosecutor filed the charge Friday
against Andrew Patterson, 20, of Federal Way.

Police investigators think an argument over a
cigarette led to angry words and finally gunfire last May
24 near the intesection of East Cherry Street and Martin
Luther King Jr. Way. A stray bullet killed Justin Ferrari,
43, who was driving with his parents and two young
children. Ferrari worked for several high-tech companies,
including Zillow, Microsoft, and Expedia.

In charging documents filed Friday, investigators
state that Patterson and two fellow gang members shouted
insults at a man after trying to bum a cigarette. Ian
Goodhew, in the prosecutor’s office, says even though the
shooter missed his intended target, it’s still a felony
second degree murder case.

“What that means is that the suspect is accused of
intending to assault a particular victim,” said Goodhew.
“In this case, in the course of intending to assault that
victim, another individual died.”

Under the law, he said, intent transfers to the actual
victim.

Police identified Patterson through witnesses,
cell phone tracking, his gang affiliation and multiple
surveillance cameras and video, including video from a bus
where he used an electronic pass to pay his fare.

Detectives say Patterson used a pass stolen before the
shooting.

If convicted of the murder charge with a firearm
enhancement, Patterson would face 15 to 23 years in
prison. Patterson is due in court to enter a plea on Aug.
2.