Seattle Police detectives are investigating an early morning homicide in the International District that happened on Saturday, June 7.
Just before 3:00 a.m. there were multiple reports of a shooting in the parking lot of Seattle Deli, on 12th Avenue South and South Main Street. Officers arrived within two minutes at the shooting scene, according to a police report. Officers have located at least thirty bullet casings. One business and several vehicles were damaged as a result of the gunfire.
KIRO7 News identified the victim as 27-year-old Mohamed Osmam, who emigrated from Somalia about five or six years ago.
The shooting came just a day after a deadly shooting at Seattle Pacific University gained national attention. 19-year-old student Paul Lee was killed in the June 6 attack.
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray issued the following statement this weekend:
“Last night there was a homicide in the International District. For the third time in a week, Seattle has suffered a devastating loss of life as result of guns.
“Once again, it is members of our East African community who feel the pain of this violence most directly. And once again, we as a city together mourn the loss of one of our young men taken too soon.
“Our condolences are with the victim’s loved ones today.
“The police department has our full support as it conducts its investigation to understand what transpired—and how and why—and bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice.”
Seattle Police Homicide and CSI detectives are collecting evidence and investigating the incident. If anyone has information regarding the crime, call either 911 or the homicide tip line at (206) 233-5000.