A fatal shooting occurred in the parking lot of a Costco store in Tukwila, Washington, on Friday morning, January 26, 2024, prompting a comprehensive investigation by local police.
At approximately 10:41 a.m., the Tukwila Police Department responded to a call about a shooting at the Costco Wholesale store located at 1100 Andover Park East.
Upon arrival, officers found the victim, later identified as 67-year-old Yuam Ming of Tukwila, suffering from gunshot wounds to the chest. Despite immediate life-saving measures, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses reported that the suspect, described as a male, fled the location in a white sedan following the shooting. Additional details regarding the suspect’s identity or motive have not been disclosed, but initial reports suggest a possible connection to a robbery.
The area around the crime scene was cordoned off as investigators began collecting evidence and conducting interviews.
This is the second shooting in Tukwila within a 12-hour period and the second murder occurring in a parking lot in the past two weeks. On Monday, January 15, a 34-year-old taxi driver identified as Nick Hokema was found stabbed to death in the Southcenter Mall parking lot.
Ellen Kelly, who arrived at the Costco around noon, described the scene as being dominated by police presence.
Other customers expressed unease about the incident, especially considering its occurrence in a usually busy and family-friendly area.
In response to the shooting, the Costco store closed its doors around 1 p.m., earlier than usual, to facilitate the ongoing police investigation.
Surveillance cameras installed in the parking lot may provide crucial evidence in identifying the suspect. However, Tukwila Police have not confirmed whether the suspect was captured on these cameras.
The Tukwila Police Department has promised to release more information as it becomes available. They have also appealed to the public for any information that might assist in the investigation and apprehension of the suspect.
