Seattle, WA
Judge releases 12-year-old accused of using ghost gun in Seattle carjacking
SEATTLE – Two middle school students who police say used untraceable ‘ghost guns’ to terrorize Seattle pleaded not guilty in court, and one of them has been released to at-home monitoring.
The two brothers, ages 12 and 13, face charges connected to stealing a car, trying to steal another vehicle, and leading police on a high-speed chase.
“The court recognizes that the allegations in this case do indicate differing levels of culpability,” said King County Superior Court Judge Veronica Galván.
Dramatic video from Seattle Police and King County Sheriff shows what police say is the two brothers driving erratically through Seattle, then fleeing from the car they stole with guns in their hands.
In the courtroom, the juvenile probation counselor and the prosecution asked the judge to keep both brothers locked up.
However, Galván decided to release the 12-year-old with several stipulations, including a mandatory electronic home monitoring device.
“It appears to be engaged in some pro-social activities, including attending school and being a good student,” said Galván.
The younger brother apparently did not fire his gun during the crime.
These factors led to Galván’s decision.
“I will keep him safe. So, I think it’s fine he come home today,” said the 12-year-old defendant’s mother.
FOX 13 News is not naming the juvenile suspects.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 12 & 13-year-old boys arrested for armed carjacking to be arraigned Tuesday
Their mom called 911 on them the night of their reported crime spree, according to probable cause documents FOX 13 News obtained.
The mom also asked for the older brother to be released, but Galván ruled against that.
“Everybody talks about he’s got community support. I believe it, but that community was there when these incidents happened as well. And I can’t fail to acknowledge that,” she said.
In court, FOX 13 News learned the family moved from Burien to North Seattle to avoid issues with gang activity.
We spoke to the brothers’ mother and grandfather off-camera. They did not want to comment or provide any statement.
Seattle, WA
Henderson's 14 lead UIC over Seattle U 79-68
SEATTLE — – Ahmad Henderson II had 14 points in UIC’s 79-68 victory against Seattle U on Friday night.
Henderson also contributed five rebounds, nine assists, and four steals for the Flames (8-4). Modestas Kancleris added 12 points while going 3 of 5 and 6 of 6 from the free-throw line while he also had seven rebounds. Javon Jackson had 12 points and shot 3 of 6 from the field and 5 for 6 from the line.
The Redhawks (4-8) were led by Brayden Maldonado, who posted 22 points and three steals. John Christofilis added 11 points for Seattle U. Maleek Arington also had 10 points, five assists, three steals and two blocks.
UIC took the lead with 40 seconds to go in the first half and never looked back. The score was 34-32 at halftime, with Jackson racking up seven points. UIC outscored Seattle U in the second half by nine points, with Henderson scoring a team-high nine points after halftime.
NEXT UP
UIC next plays Sunday against Illinois State on the road, and Seattle U will visit Washington on Monday.
——
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.br/]
Copyright © 2024 ESPN Internet Ventures. All rights reserved.
Seattle, WA
Uber sues the City of Seattle
Uber is taking Seattle to court. The Seattle Times reported Uber is suing to block a law that would regulate when it can deactivate a driver.
The lawsuit claims that the city is infringing on the company’s rights by limiting its ability to manage drivers based on performance and safety concerns.
“Uber believes that ensuring consumers receive reliable, efficient and, above all, safe deliveries is more important than allowing couriers with consistently low consumer ratings — a sign of serious performance and/or safety issues — to keep disappointing consumers. The city does not,” the suit read.
The Seattle City Council passed the law in 2023, with strong support from then-council member Theresa Mosqueda.
MyNorthwest News: WA Uber, Lyft drivers getting paid family, medical leave benefits
“To deactivate a driver or to cut someone off to have their ability to have an income with no warning and no recourse is just wrong,” she said at the time.
The law, set to take effect on New Year’s Day, aims to provide more transparency and fairness in the deactivation process. It requires companies like Uber to establish a “reasonable” policy for deactivations, give drivers advance notice and conduct fair investigations.
Uber argues that the law will hinder its ability to quickly address issues related to driver performance and safety, potentially leading to poorer service for customers. The company also contends that the law violates its constitutional rights by forcing it to associate with problematic drivers and disclose confidential business information.
Crime blotter: Uber passenger recovering after being shot on way to Bellevue
The law is part of a broader effort by Seattle lawmakers and labor advocates to protect gig workers, who often lack the ability to unionize. It includes provisions to prevent deactivations based on insufficient driving hours, low customer ratings, or declined ride offers, except in extreme cases.
Additionally, companies must provide drivers with records justifying their deactivation and allow them to contest the decision. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, who signed the bill into law, emphasized the importance of protecting app-based workers from sudden deactivations that could threaten their livelihoods. However, Uber maintains that its existing policies are sufficient to ensure safety and reliability for consumers.
Contributing: Frank Lenzi, KIRO Newsradio
Bill Kaczaraba is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read his stories here. Follow Bill on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email him here.
Seattle, WA
Seattle Metro bus murder suspect arrested last year for stabbing, killing roommate
SEATTLE, WA – The man who is wanted for the murder of a Seattle Metro bus driver was arrested a year ago for the murder of his roommate, but released due to a lack of evidence, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Seattle Police say 53-year-old Richard Sitzlack murdered 59-year-old Shawn Yim early Wednesday morning.
Yim, a King County Metro driver, only had two passengers on the bus when he was killed: the accused murderer and a witness, who FOX 13 Seattle spoke to on Thursday morning.
Seattle Police released a photo of the accused killer more than 30 hours after the murder.
Police identify 53-year-old Richard Sitzlack in deadly Seattle bus driver stabbing. (Seattle Police Department)
However, police tell FOX 13 Seattle someone reportedly saw Sitzlack downtown around 8 p.m. Wednesday. That is about five miles from where the attack happened in the University District, and 15 hours after the attack.
Seattle police would not provide any more details on the sighting of Sitzlack.
“We are seeking the public’s help in finding this person,” said Detective Eric Muñoz with SPD. “The Metro coach drivers all have his photograph, every police officer in the city has his photograph and information.”
A year ago, Sitizlack was behind bars for a similar incident.
Officials from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s office said Sitzlack was arrested for murder in connection with the death of his roommate.
However, no charges were filed, and Sitzlack was released.
“Both police and prosecutors looked at the admissible evidence and thought we can’t disprove the claim of self-defense,” said Casey McNerthney with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
According to the prosecutor’s office, Sitzlack claimed his roommate tried to kill him with a machete. He fought back and stabbed his roommate to death, then called the police, according to the report.
“If King County prosecutors had the evidence to charge him with murder, we would have charged him with murder,” said McNerthney.
The transit union is offering a $10k reward to the person who helps find the murderer.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Seattle Police Department’s Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.
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