Judge Approves Second‑Degree Murder Charge After Fatal Renton Grocery Shooting
Updated (6 articles)
Shooting Occurred Tuesday Night at Los Jalapeños Grocery Police report the gunfire erupted just after 9:30 p.m. on February 4 in the Los Jalapeños grocery store on the 3700 block of NE 4th Street, after a verbal dispute escalated into a physical fight; the victim was shot multiple times and died at the scene [1][2]. An anonymous shopper described the suspect hurling homophobic slurs before pushing the victim, prompting the confrontation that led to the shooting [1]. Surveillance footage released by Renton Police confirms the sequence of verbal argument, physical altercation, and gunfire [1].
Suspect Fled in SUV and Was Captured After Multi‑Hour Search The shooter escaped the store in an SUV, prompting a coordinated manhunt that employed K‑9 units, a helicopter, and the “Guardian One” public alert system [1][2]. Authorities located the suspect around 12:15 a.m. on February 5, finding him at a nearby residence in the same block where he abandoned his vehicle [2]. The rapid response and extensive search resources were highlighted as key factors in the suspect’s apprehension [1][2].
Judge Determines Probable Cause for Second‑Degree Murder Charge On February 5, a King County judge ruled there is probable cause to support a second‑degree murder charge against the suspect, who waived his first court appearance [1]. The judge set a bail hearing for Thursday at 2:30 p.m., moving the case forward in the criminal justice process [1]. This ruling formalizes the serious homicide charge stemming from the fatal shooting [1].
Police Release Video and Advise Community Caution Renton Police spokesperson Meeghan Black explained the released surveillance video’s clarity in showing the altercation’s progression and emphasized the importance of avoiding confrontations [1]. Black urged residents to stay safe by walking away from potential conflicts, noting the incident’s impact on community fear [1]. The department’s communication strategy focuses on transparency and public safety following the shooting [1].
Sources
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1.
King5: Judge Finds Probable Cause for Second‑Degree Murder in Renton Grocery Shooting: Details the judge’s ruling, bail hearing schedule, and police advice, emphasizing the legal progression after the suspect’s capture .
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2.
King5: Suspect Arrested Hours After Fatal Renton Store Shooting: Describes the shooting timeline, suspect’s flight and capture, and ongoing investigation, highlighting law‑enforcement tactics used in the manhunt .
Timeline
Dec 26, 2025 – Active shooter opens fire at Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office in Wallace, Idaho, firing at least seven rounds around 2:30 p.m., barricading himself in the attorney‑visiting room and wounding two people inside the building; witnesses hear the shots and staff evacuate. [2]
Dec 26, 2025 – Multi‑agency SWAT response arrives at 2:40 p.m. PT, with eight law‑enforcement agencies—including Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and Coeur d’Alene Police—securing the scene and beginning a coordinated investigation. [1]
Dec 26, 2025 – Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris announces the suspect has been “neutralized,” indicating officers have engaged the gunman. [2]
Dec 26, 2025 – Sheriff William Eddy confirms officers shoot the suspect dead in the lobby after a standoff, while three victims—two women in a pickup truck and a deputy—sustain minor injuries, and he declares no ongoing danger to the community. [6]
Dec 27, 2025 – KXLY reporter Derek Strom posts on X that the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office confirms the shooter is dead and two others have minor injuries, finalizing the incident’s outcome. [2]
Dec 27, 2025 – Idaho State Police take lead on the officer‑involved shooting investigation, while the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and Coeur d’Alene Police handle the criminal probe. [1]
Jan 19, 2026 – A fatal shooting at Celebration Park Apartments in Federal Way leaves a 44‑year‑old man dead; police describe the incident as a fight between acquaintances and label the suspect “outstanding but not a danger to the public,” with Kyle Buchanan stating, “There is no danger to the public.” [5]
Jan 19, 2026 – Federal Way officers deploy a drone to scan the apartment complex and interview neighbors, reflecting heightened investigative tactics after a recent spike in homicides linked to domestic violence. [5]
Feb 4, 2026 – An argument in a Renton grocery store escalates to gunfire at 9:40 p.m.; the victim is shot multiple times and dies at the scene, while the suspect flees in an SUV, prompting a multi‑hour search using K‑9 units, a helicopter, and “Guardian One” announcements. [4]
Feb 4, 2026 – The suspect abandons the vehicle and is taken into custody around 12:15 a.m. in the same block, ending the manhunt; investigators keep the case active. [4]
Feb 5, 2026 – A judge finds probable cause for a second‑degree murder charge in the Renton shooting, and the suspect waives his first appearance; a bail hearing is scheduled for Thursday at 2:30 p.m. [3]
Feb 5, 2026 – Renton Police spokesperson Meeghan Black explains the sequence captured on surveillance video and warns, “The shooting has understandably frightened residents; we advise people to walk away from altercations to stay safe.” [3]
All related articles (6 articles)
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King5 (Seattle, WA): Judge Finds Probable Cause for Second‑Degree Murder in Renton Grocery Shooting
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King5 (Seattle, WA): Suspect Arrested Hours After Fatal Renton Store Shooting
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King5 (Seattle, WA): One dead in Sunday shooting at Celebration Park Apartments; police search for suspect
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CNN: Gunman killed in Wallace sheriff’s office standoff after opening fire, three injured
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King5 (Seattle, WA): Three injured as suspect shot and killed at Shoshone County Sheriff's Office
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Newsweek: Active shooter incident at Shoshone County Sheriff's Office in Wallace, Idaho
External resources (2 links)
- https://x.com/DerekStromKXLY/status/2004746599592001812 (cited 1 times)