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Prosecutors Seek Adult Trial for Seattle Center Teen Shooter

7/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. prosecutors asked a judge to try the 15-year-old arrested after the Seattle Center shooting as an adult.
The teen faces first-degree assault with a firearm enhancement and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.
An adult conviction could bring eight to ten years in prison plus a five-year firearm enhancement, while a juvenile conviction would cap at two to two-and-a-half years.
The shooting killed Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, Ashley Whitehead, and suspect Junior Cee Niko Semo.
At least four other people, including a 2-year-old child, were injured.

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Story summary

U.S. prosecutors asked a judge to try the 15-year-old arrested after the Seattle Center shooting as an adult.
The teen faces first-degree assault with a firearm enhancement and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.
An adult conviction could bring eight to ten years in prison plus a five-year firearm enhancement, while a juvenile conviction would cap at two to two-and-a-half years.
The shooting killed Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, Ashley Whitehead, and suspect Junior Cee Niko Semo.
At least four other people, including a 2-year-old child, were injured.