Inset: Mhaniq Wilkerson (Berna Funeral Homes). Background: The Seattle parking garage where Mhaniq Wilkerson was shot in the head and killed (KOMO/YouTube).
In a tragic incident in Washington state, a U.S. Navy veteran and father of three was fatally shot in the head during a gunfight in a parking garage, reportedly sparked by an argument over a parking spot. The altercation, which took place in Seattle, also left three others injured, according to police and local reports.
“People arguing over a parking space and it escalated,” said Sebastien Bonita, who works security at a nearby nightclub, in an interview with local ABC affiliate KOMO.
Several witnesses informed a local television station that they believe a dispute over a parking space escalated into a violent confrontation, culminating in the shooting that claimed the life of 27-year-old Mhaniq Wilkerson on February 1.
“Don’t resolve conflicts with gunfire,” Detective Eric Munoz urged in an interview with KOMO.
The shooting occurred at the well-known “Sinking Ship” parking garage on the 500 block of 2nd Avenue, with gunfire erupting around 1:30 a.m., as detailed in a press release from the Seattle Police Department.
The statement from the police department revealed that a physical altercation broke out in the garage, which escalated into a gunfight involving multiple individuals. Wilkerson was discovered with a fatal gunshot wound to the head and was declared dead at the scene.
The press release also mentioned that another individual suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to Harborview Medical Center (HMC) in critical condition. Two others, one with a graze wound, were also treated and transported to HMC, both in stable condition. A fourth victim, who also sustained a graze wound, later arrived at the hospital and was reported to be in stable condition.
Two people were arrested following “disturbances at the scene afterward,” but police say the suspects responsible for the homicide are still at large. Photos were released last Thursday showing individuals who are believed to be connected to the shooting.
“Detectives believe these individuals have vital information about the early morning shooting that occurred inside of the parking structure,” Seattle PD said. “Detectives are also asking the public for any cellphone video before, during, or after the time of the shooting.”
Wilkerson’s mother, Robin Wilkerson, told local Fox affiliate KCPQ this week that family members laid the Arkansas native to rest in his home state. She said the thought of knowing her son’s killer is still out there is “devastating,” KCPQ reports.
“It sickens me, I’m mad, all the above,” she said. “It’s hard to breathe, it’s hard to fathom, and my son is lost, and there’s nobody accountable for it.”
Wilkerson’s brother, Darrius Wilkerson, told KCPQ that he believes “justice will be held” if the person or people responsible are caught.
“Karma will do their part and get them just as bad,” Darrius Wilkerson said. “I never wish ill will on anybody, but I know, whoever did this to my brother will be found.”
The Wilkerson family described the discharged Navy vet as “the life of the party” and “always laughing, always singing,” KCPQ reports.
“I miss being able to talk to him every day,” Robin Wilkerson said. “I miss him calling me and saying, ‘hey, ma’ I miss him showing me his kids on FaceTime, I miss that he won’t be able to be here to raise his children, I just miss my baby.”
Wilkerson’s obituary describes him as a father of three with a daughter and two sons.
“He was especially excited to be called DADDY,” the obit says. “Proudly and profoundly LOVING his kids with all his heart.”
