Washington Shooting: Depressed 13-Year-Old Boy Killed Stranger Because He 'Just Felt Like It'

A 13-year-old boy fatally shot a man because he “just felt like doing it.” The incident took place in Burien, Washington, last Tuesday (April 21).

King County Sheriff's Office stated that the teen followed the 35-year-old victim for a while before pulling out his gun and opening fire at the victim. A bullet struck the victim in the back of the head as he tried walking away from the suspect. The victim was rushed to Harborview Medical Center where he succumbed to injuries.

Meanwhile, the teen fled the scene and went to a friend’s home. However, before the friend could open the door, the teen ran off again. The friend alerted the police. Investigation revealed that the teen lived at his former girlfriend’s home. The homeowner confirmed that the suspect was not at home when the incident took place and that her gun was also missing.

The suspect was taken into custody Friday after he was found walking on a Renton Street.

According to the police documents released Monday (April 27), when asked about the motive behind the crime, the teen told the investigators that he was depressed. He added that he sensed that if he didn't kill someone, he would end up killing himself and because he "just felt like it.” The identities of the victim and the suspect were not revealed. The suspect was held at the Youth Service Center and was yet to be charged.

Meanwhile, calling this a “tragic story,” King Co. Sheriff’s Sgt. Ryan Abbott said, “The victim never met this guy, didn't say anything to him. didn't even know it was coming."

Three shooting incidents took place in South King County last Monday (April 20). A man was fatally shot near the Jack in the Box on Tukwila International Boulevard around 7.30 a.m. The suspect was found nearby and taken into custody. The same evening, a male in his teens was shot in the face in Burien. He was rushed to Harborview Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Around 10.30 p.m., police responded to a shooting at the Westway Community Center and found a 19-year-old man with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

If you have thoughts of suicide, confidential help is available for free at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call 1-800-273-8255. The line is available 24 hours, every day.