The Washington State Patrol is reporting that a guilty verdict has been reached in a drive-by shooting on SR 509 near the Cloverdale Street exit in December, 2019.
As we previously reported, at approximately 8:40 p.m. on Dec. 29, 2019, Troopers received a 911 call reporting a one-car collision on southbound SR 509 near Cloverdale.
Once troopers arrived, it was evident that the driver of the vehicle had been shot in the face and CPR was initiated. The driver was transported to Harborview Medical Center, but sadly died on Dec. 30, 2019 from his injuries.
The information that WSP detectives have at this point is that the victim vehicle was traveling southbound SR 509 near Cloverdale when an individual in an unknown vehicle fired and struck the driver, causing the vehicle to strike the barrier that divides the north and southbound lanes. The passenger in the vehicle was unable to provide a description of the vehicle that the shots came from.
The driver of the victim vehicle was James Richardson, who unfortunately passed away from his injuries.
WSP says that on Sept. 9, 2021, a Superior Court Judge found probable cause to charge three suspects with Murder in the 1st Degree:
- On May 5, 2023, Emilio R. Paypay, 23, from Tacoma was found guilty of Murder in the 1st degree.
- Ali J. Sharif, 21, from Seattle pled guilty last month to Manslaughter 1st degree.
- Aden M. Mohamed, 28, from Seattle is currently in custody in Turkey awaiting extradition back to the United States to face the Murder charge.
Sentencing will be at a later date in King County Superior Court.
“Washington State Patrol detectives worked tirelessly to solve this case to bring those responsible to justice.”
