EVERETT — Detectives have closed their investigations into the gang-related shootings of two teenage brothers.
A 13-year-old was shot in the arm Sept. 16 while outside a W. Casino Road apartment. Three weeks later, on Oct. 10, his 15-year-old brother was shot near the same location. The older boy suffered a life-threatening injury and was hospitalized for weeks.
“Victims and witnesses have not been forthcoming and unfortunately there are no further leads to pursue,” Everett police officer Aaron Snell said. “If further information is received, the cases may be reopened.”
The brothers are believed to be connected to an Asian gang. That gang is friendly with two Hispanic gangs that are feuding with two other Hispanic gangs, detectives have explained in court papers.
The bad blood is behind multiple shootings inside and outside city limits, including a homicide. Anthony Camacho, 17, was gunned down a year ago outside a south Everett house in unincorporated Snohomish County. The suspected shooter is scheduled to go to trial early next year.
That same house was the target of a drive-by shooting in August. One shot shattered a front window and two others damaged the garage door. A vehicle parked outside also was hit. No one was hurt. Snohomish County sheriff’s detectives are investigating that shooting.
Detectives say it’s common for victims and witnesses involved in gang crimes to be reluctant to cooperate with investigators. They either are too fearful to say anything, or want to take matters into their own hands. Much of the gunfire in recent months is believed to be retaliation for violence last year.
The Sept. 16 shooting happened in the 800 block of W. Casino Road. The 13-year-old and his brother were with two friends when they confronted two other young people. The suspect pulled a gun on the brothers and fired five rounds. The 13-year-old was hit in the arm.
He declined to talk to police.
His brother was walking with friends on Oct. 10 when a vehicle stopped in front of them and someone in the car fired at least two shots. The victim was struck in the chest.
Detectives recovered .380-caliber casings in the street, near where the suspect’s vehicle was spotted. Police also located evidence that suggested the young people with the victim fired back at the suspect’s car, court records said.
Police later arrested two brothers believed to be in possession of the gun used in the incidents. They aren’t believed to be responsible for the shootings.
Everett police have stepped up patrols in south Everett, particularly along Casino Road.
The city saw a spike in gang crimes last year. It assigned a gang detective and also deployed a two-officer car to focus on gang crimes. More recently, the department’s pro-active team has been assigned to target known gang locations.
So far, the city has seen an overall decrease in gang activity this year, Snell said.
Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; hefley@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
