SEATTLE (AP) — A jury on Thursday ordered the city of Seattle to pay more than $30 million over the unsolved, fatal shooting of a teenager at the “ Capitol Hill Occupied Protest ” zone, which arose in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd.
The King County jury returned the verdict following 12 days of deliberation, finding that the city was negligent in its emergency response to the shooting of Antonio Mays Jr., 16, and that that negligence caused his death, The Seattle Times reported.
Because first responders wouldn’t come to the protest zone, witnesses tried to bring Mays by private vehicle to get medical care from paramedics. They tried to flag down an ambulance that drove away from them, and it was about 24 minutes before they met with medics in a parking lot.
Attorneys for the family argued that Mays might have survived if his airway was properly cleared sooner. The city argued that Mays, who was shot in the head, was unlikely to have lived and that the emergency response was not to blame for his death.
Seattle was ordered to pay $4 million to Mays’ estate and $26 million to his father, Antonio Mays Sr., who became emotional and hugged his lawyer as the verdict was announced.
Racial justice demonstrators enraged about Floyd’s killing by Minneapolis police took over eight square blocks in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood in June 2020, creating a protest zone called “CHOP.” It lasted three weeks after the city police department abandoned its nearby precinct, earning derision from President Donald Trump, who claimed a large section of the city had been taken over by anarchists.
Following two shootings at or near the protest, including Mays’ death on June 29, then-Mayor Jenny Durkan and the police department dismantled the zone.
Mays was shot in a stolen white Jeep near the protest zone with a 14-year-old also in the vehicle. A livestream from the scene captured the shots and the aftermath — but did not show the shooter. Witnesses said on the livestream that armed protesters guarding the protest zone’s barricades had fired at the Jeep. No arrests have been made nor charges filed.
Mays traveled to Seattle from southern California, where he left a note for his father saying he was joining the civil rights movement. He did not tell his father where he was going, only that he wanted to make him “proud.” Mays Sr. filed a missing persons report with the Los Angeles Police Department the same day he found the note.
Less than 10 days later, Mays was dead. The 14-year-old, who was also shot, survived after witnesses brought him to a hospital.
King County Superior Court Judge Sean O’Donnell barred the city from presenting a defense that it was not liable because Mays was committing a felony — stealing the Jeep — at the time he was killed. Even if the city proved Mays had stolen the Jeep, O’Donnell ruled, there’s no proof that he was killed because of it.
In a statement Thursday the city attorney’s office called the death a tragedy and said it was considering its legal options.
How big an apartment can you rent in a city’s most walkable neighborhood without a car, for the same cost as a 1000 square-foot rental in its most typical suburb with a car? Ray Delahanty answers that for the 26 largest metro areas in the US. Seattle is at 6:23. (CityNerd)
Q&A about the tradeoffs of car-free living in Montreal. There are challenges “but they don’t exactly line up with what people think”. (Oh the Urbanity!)
This is an open thread.
SEATTLE – After waking up to a smattering of clouds this morning, skies gradually cleared through the afternoon as sunshine increased around Western Washington. Temperatures climbed into the low 60s for many communities, making for a pleasant and quiet start to the weekend.
What’s next:
Sunday will remain mild and dry with a little more warmth expected across the region. Winds will shift to a more northerly direction, helping temperatures inch upward compared to Saturday.
Sunny weather helps Seattle reach the low to mid 80s Tuesday during the warmest day of the week. (FOX 13 Seattle)
The warming trend will continue Monday as highs climb into the 70s under mostly sunny skies.
By Tuesday, a developing thermal trough along the Cascades will help usher in the warmest air of the week. Sunshine is expected throughout the day with temperatures soaring into the low to mid 80s for many communities.
Some of the traditionally warmer locations could climb even higher. The warmer, drier air will also raise fire danger across parts of the region.
This weather pattern helps Seattle experience sinking air, abundant sunshine, and significantly warmer temperatures. (FOX 13 Seattle)
If you’re planning to cool off at area lakes, rivers, creeks, or streams, remember that water temperatures remain dangerously cold despite the warmer air. Wearing a life vest is strongly encouraged.
Stay heat aware on Tuesday as Seattle weather warms quickly while rivers and lakes remain dangerously cold. (FOX 13 Seattle)
The heat will begin easing Wednesday as temperatures fall back into the low 70s. A cooler onshore flow pattern will continue Thursday and Friday, bringing highs back into the 60s. An isolated shower or two may develop Friday as a weak weather system approaches the Pacific Northwest.
Cooler weather returns to Seattle later in the week with highs back in the 60s and a slight shower chance Friday. (FOX 13 Seattle)
Take good care,
Meteorologist Abby Acone and the FOX 13 Weather Team
Former Renton, WA youth pastor arrested on suspicion of child molestation
Man accused of cutting tent, kidnapping two women camping near public trail
Millionaires tax will likely appear on November ballot
Tacoma, WA college student detained after mass shooting threats, shotgun seized
Where to watch FIFA World Cup matches in Seattle and Washington
DUI crash suspect in Kent, WA tells police he was ‘drinking Buzzballz’
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
(State ferry and cruise ship Celebrity Edge – Bob Burns photo from Friday)
Welcome to the weekend! Here are our highlighted happenings for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) by 8 am for today’s free group run.
FAMILY WANDERERS WALKING EVENT: Not a group walk, but a walking club has organized it – start between 9 and 11 am from their table at Riverview Playfield (7300 12th SW).
FREE MEDITATION: For a calming start to your Saturday, check out Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile before the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fontanelle.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: New season, new location! 10 am-2 pm, shop for produce, prepared food and beverages, artisan body care, more. (9th/Henderson)
GARDENING WITH LESS WATER AND LESS WORK: “Designing your own water-smart permaculture paradise with Jessi Bloom” class at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor), 10 am.
WALKING TOUR OF SCHMITZ PRESERVE PARK: 10 am; meet at 5463 SW Stevens for guided tour with Schmitz Park Restore.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, with expanded Saturday hours 10 am-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens) last chance to visit before a month-long closure.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, open today! New plants in! North end of campus at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor)
MASTER GARDENERS AT DELRIDGE HOME DEPOT: Saturdays, 10 am-2 pm – take them your toughest garden questions and get free expert answers! (Delridge/Orchard)
SINGALONG BRUNCH: 10 am weekends at Admiral Pub, sing to classics – table reservation includes a brunch buffet! (2306 California SW)
GATEWOOD GATOR FAIR: Lots of all-ages fun at Gatewood Elementary (4320 SW Myrtle), with entertainment, food, a fire truck expected at 11 am, a science fair, and an Urban Survival Skills Fair with local prepaedness advocates – all happening 10:30 am-2:30 pm. All welcome!
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am today – free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group – details including location are in our calendar listing.
MAKERS ART MARKET AT ALKI: 11 am-5 pm, next to the bathhouse, more than 30 local makers are selling their creations. (2701 Alki SW)
SPRAYPARK SEASON: Second week of the season begins at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
COLMAN POOL’S FOURTH WEEKEND: Noon-7 pm, fourth preseason weekend begins at the outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Community visitors welcome noon-3 pm at the West Seattle Vietnamese Cultural Center (2236 SW Orchard).
MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: 1 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), discussing “Expert Witness” this month.
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room and Wine Bar offers student-produced wines, tasting flights, and casual food pairings while supporting hands-on winemaking and hospitality education. Each tasting and purchase directly contributes to student production, education, and training opportunities.
‘A KID’S LIFE’ SCHOOL MUSICAL: 2 pm performance of The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary (WSB sponsor) production of “A Kid’s Life” at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). Details in our calendar listing.
THE BEER JUNCTION’S MONTHLY BIKE RIDE: 2 pm departure from the lot behind The Beer Junction (4511 California SW), 21+, must have helmet to ride.
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) for “short, specific sessions.”
‘YOUR VOICE, OUR FUTURE’: The 34th District Democrats‘ annual fundraiser, this year at the White Center HUB (8th SW/SW 108th), 5:30 pm cocktail hour, 6:30-8:30 pm event.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, Phil and Friends play at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
‘FEMININE RAGE’: A night of women-led live music plus axe-throwing, community support, flash tattooing, clothing donations, 6 pm-midnight at Axe Throwers Seattle (10849 1st Avenue S., Top Hat).
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, hear Modest Mouse‘s new music, at Easy Street Records, free, all ages (4559 California SW).
DRAG AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, “Hey Baby” drag show focusing on new performers, hosted by Kimme Kash. All ages, $15/door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM SPINNING: 9 pm, DJ Topspin spins. (4547 California SW)
SATURDAY NIGHT SKATING: 9 pm to midnight, skate at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 plus $5 skate rental.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Close out your Saturday night with Rone at 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
If you’re planning a West Seattle event, and it’s open to the community, tell us about it; calendar listings are free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Police arrest burglary suspect in southeast Colorado Springs
Man arrested after stealing from Connecticut Children’s Hospital donation bin
ISP investigating after Delaware County Sheriff deputy shoots at vehicle
What Wins the Game For Ole Miss vs. Florida
Georgia football picks up two commitments for 2027 recruiting class
Man charged with murder in killings of 3 on Hawaii’s Big Island | CNN
Idaho transportation leaders spotlight motorcycle deaths
Plainfield, Illinois, ice cream shop launches
