Story perspectives

Seattle Arrests 15-Year-Old in Festival Shooting Killing Three

8/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Seattle police arrested a 15-year-old after a festival shooting that killed three.
The victims were 44-year-old Carlos Sanchez-Villalba, 56-year-old Ashley Whitehead and 19-year-old Junior Niko-Semo.
Investigators recovered a Polymer80 ghost gun that did not fire the fatal bullets, a Springfield 9 mm, and a Glock 45 with a switch, and found casings from four firearms.
Interim Chief Andre Sayles called the probe a priority and asked for tips at 206-233-5000.

History

Historical Context

After the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban—signed by President Bill Clinton on September 13, 1994 and set for ten years—it expired on September 13, 2004. Research linked the ban to a 70 % reduction in mass-shooting fatalities. Its lapse has spurred renewed calls, echoed by Seattle Police Chief Andre Sayles, to curb ghost-guns like the Polymer80 recovered after a recent festival shooting.

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Story summary

Seattle police arrested a 15-year-old after a festival shooting that killed three.
The victims were 44-year-old Carlos Sanchez-Villalba, 56-year-old Ashley Whitehead and 19-year-old Junior Niko-Semo.
Investigators recovered a Polymer80 ghost gun that did not fire the fatal bullets, a Springfield 9 mm, and a Glock 45 with a switch, and found casings from four firearms.
Interim Chief Andre Sayles called the probe a priority and asked for tips at 206-233-5000.

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