FBI Extradites 20-Year-Old Murder Suspect From Kenya to Seattle Over Tukwila Shooting

A 20-year-old man wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a woman outside a Costco store in Tukwila, Washington, has been extradited from Kenya to face charges.

The suspect, who remains unnamed, is now in custody at King County Jail in Seattle, with bail set at Ksh647.5 million (USD 5 million). His arrest concludes a months-long international manhunt involving coordination between American, Kenyan, and Interpol authorities. The charges arise from an incident on 26 January 2024, when 67-year-old Yuam Ming was shot and killed during an attempted robbery. 

Court filings allege the suspect attempted to steal a handbag from Ming's sister as the women loaded groceries into their vehicle. During the ensuing struggle, the suspect allegedly discharged a firearm, fatally wounding Ming. Authorities allege the suspect did not act alone. Another 20-year-old is believed to have acted as the getaway driver, operating a Porsche SUV reportedly carjacked earlier that day in Seattle. Surveillance footage, dashcam recordings, and police pursuit videos serve as critical evidence in the prosecution's case.

The suspect fled the United States five days after the shooting, boarding a flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. His departure occurred around the time a social media post identified him as a suspect, prompting a global search. The manhunt involved extensive collaboration between US federal agents, Kenyan law enforcement, and Interpol operatives.

The suspect's extradition was facilitated under mutual legal assistance frameworks. He now faces multiple charges, including murder, robbery, attempted robbery, and a federal charge related to the carjacking. Prosecutors characterise the killing as premeditated and executed with "reckless disregard for human life," signalling their intent to pursue a severe sentence upon conviction. A court date is pending, with preparations for trial underway, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

Advanced surveillance technologies, including CCTV, dashcams, and real-time police footage, played a pivotal role in reconstructing the events leading up to and following the shooting. Investigators maintain that these recordings provide a comprehensive visual account of the crime, potentially influencing court proceedings.