‘We’ve been crying for help:’ Seattle preschool director’s fears grow with neighborhood violence and crime

Mount Baker neighborhood on the outskirts after fatal shooting

A Seattle preschool director said there had been several incidents in the Mount Baker neighborhood, including yesterday’s fatal shooting.

SEATTLE – Community members speak out after the fatal shooting in the Mount Baker neighborhood of Seattle.

Seattle police said two suspects opened fire at the Mount Baker Station bus stop on Tuesday. The victim was taken to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition, where he later died.

A day later, flowers and candles were left in memory of the victim. Police haven’t identified him yet, but family members tell Q13 News that his name is Tay-Zauhn Burns-Miller and that he just turned 20 on Thursday.

“He got along with everyone. He was a loving brother. He was very funny. He was family oriented. He loved his sister to death,” said mother Liza Henderson. “I don’t even know what to say. I’m so sick. I will never be able to see my son again. He was a great boy. He shaped a lot of people.”

The shooting took place near the Vietnamese bilingual preschool in Hoa Mai. The center’s director, Gloria Hodge, said the children enrolled are between 20 months and 5 years old.

“Some heard the gunshots. It was during their midday nap, but we don’t quite think they understood what it was,” Hodge said. “We called for help and met with some local officials for our needs, but the response is just too slow. We want to make sure the children and staff are safe, and so is our community, and the Mount Bakerer area deserves that. “

Hodge said there have been multiple break-ins and break-ins in preschool in the past few weeks. Last Monday, up the hill from preschool, there was also a fire in a homeless camp that killed two people.

CONNECTED: Police: Three people injured in drive-by shooting in Seattle’s Rainier Valley

“To me, I’m tired and very frustrated and upset that our area isn’t getting the response that other areas of Seattle are doing,” said Hodge.

Not This Time activist Andre Taylor said the city of Seattle needs to make meaningful investments in the neighborhood.

“We haven’t given enough community organizations that are on the premises, that are on the streets trying to build those relationships,” Taylor said. “We have to invest in this transformative education and training of youth in the inner city, but if they don’t fund it, they will continue the situation we have.”

Seattle police said detectives are looking for the two suspects who are still on the run.

If you have information, you can give Crime Stoppers an anonymous lead and receive up to $ 1,000 in rewards. Just send a message right on your phone using the P3 Tips app or call 1-800-222-TIPS.

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