Full Breakdown
Seattle Police Investigate Fatal Shooting of Young Employee at The Growler Guys
5/11/2026, 7:51:00 PM
Incident Overview
Early on May 9, 2026, staff at The Growler Guys, a beer garden on the 8500 block of Lake City Way Northeast, found a coworker in his early 20s with gunshot wounds. Seattle Fire personnel pronounced him dead. The victim was later identified as 26-year-old Quusaa Margarsa, known as “Q.” No arrests have been made and investigators have not disclosed a suspect or motive.
Key Individuals and Business
The Growler Guys is owned by Kelly Dole, who called the victim a “beloved member of his staff” and a close friend of her son. Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes led the response, noting detectives are reviewing video and gathering evidence. The Adams County Coroner’s Office will confirm the cause of death.
Timeline
? 8:45 a.m.: Employees arrive. ? 9:00 a.m.: Coworker finds victim; 911 called. ? 9:05 a.m.: Police and fire arrive; victim pronounced dead. Morning-afternoon: Scene secured and evidence collected. Evening: The Growler Guys closes; community leaves flowers.
Community Impact and Response
The killing is Seattle’s 12th homicide of the year and sparked memorials outside the venue. Dozens of friends, family and patrons left bouquets, cards and notes. The incident has raised safety concerns in Lake City and prompted calls for more police presence.
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Barnes said the case is in early stages, with detectives reviewing video and canvassing for witnesses. He noted no suspect information is available and announced increased patrols. Owner Dole expressed deep grief, calling the victim a “key part” of the community and pledging full cooperation. Both parties urged anyone with information or surveillance footage to call the Seattle Police Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Kelly Dole, Owner
- “And he was a key part of that.” — Kelly Dole, Owner
- “When we have things like this, we have to reevaluate what we could've done better,” — Shon Barnes, Police Chief
- “How can we make sure that we're doing everything in our power to bring justice to this family, because quite frankly, they deserve it.” — Shon Barnes, Police Chief
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Police initially withheld the victim’s name; later releases identified him as Quusaa Margarsa. Authorities have not confirmed whether the shooting occurred inside or outside the venue, nor disclosed a motive such as robbery. No suspect description or arrest has been reported.
What’s Next
Seattle police will keep heightened patrols in Lake City, continue evidence processing, and seek additional surveillance footage. The tip line stays open as investigators work to identify and charge a suspect.
