Employee at popular Lake City taproom shot and killed
May 10, 2026, 9:49 AM | Updated: 11:32 am
Seattle police are investigating the murder of a taproom employee at the "Growler Guys" in Lake City. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
A homicide investigation is underway in Seattle’s Lake City neighborhood, after an employee at a popular taproom on Lake City Way was found shot dead.
Police responded to a report of a man down inside The Growler Guys, at N.E. 85th Street and Lake City Way N.E.
Police said a co-worker found the victim when the co-worker arrived for work just before 9 a.m. Saturday.
Investigators say he had been shot several times.
The owner of the business, Kelly Dole, told KIRO 7 the man killed was a beloved member of his staff, a man in his 20s, whose nickname was “Q”.
“I guess I would say that he and his friends, including my son, the rest of them, are about as tight-knit a group of young men that you’ll ever find,” Dole told KIRO 7. “And he was a key part of that.”
Police have not arrested any suspects.
The medical examiner is working to determine the cause and manner of death.
“It’s an incredibly traumatic thing,” Seattle Police Department (SPD) Detective Eric Munoz said. “I can’t even imagine what the family and what this area is going through. This is like a neighborhood staple. It’s a very well-known, respected place. So this is a very tragic, obviously, Saturday morning for all of us.”
According to the taproom’s owner, Kelly Dole, it’s believed Q closed down the business Friday night. He believes Q then left the place, but for some reason, came back to the business several hours later, and that he was being followed.
KIRO 7 reported dozens of friends, families, and co-workers arrived at the taproom Saturday to pay their respects. Many left bouquets of flowers on the ground in front of the taproom.
Inside, police worked to collect evidence and review surveillance footage.
Investigators do not yet know who the suspect is or what their possible motive is.
Dole told KIRO 7 he and his staff are heartbroken at the loss.
He described the victim as a young man who preferred hugs to handshakes, and a talented dancer. He is confident that SPD will catch the killer.
“Mark my words, there is no way this person is going to get away with this,” he told KIRO 7.
Dole said the business will be closed through the weekend and possibly longer.
Anyone with information is asked to call SPD’s violent crimes tip line at (206) 233-5000.
