Navy vet dad of 3 shot dead in garage gunfight after brawl breaks out ‘over a parking space,’

A Washington state father and U.S. Navy veteran was shot in the head and killed during a gunfight in a Seattle parking garage that witnesses say started over a parking space dispute. Three others were also injured in the incident.

“People arguing over a parking space and it escalated,” said Sebastien Bonita, a security worker at a nearby nightclub, in an interview with KOMO, a local ABC affiliate.

Other witnesses told KOMO they believe the argument over parking led to a physical altercation and ultimately the shooting that killed 27-year-old Mhaniq Wilkerson on Feb. 1.

“Don’t solve those problems with gunfire,” said Detective Eric Munoz.

The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. in the popular “Sinking Ship” parking garage on the 500 block of 2nd Avenue, according to a Seattle Police Department press release.

“Detectives determined that a physical fight broke out in the parking garage, which led to a gunfight between multiple people,” the release stated. Wilkerson was found with a fatal gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene.

One victim sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported in critical condition to Harborview Medical Center (HMC). Two others suffered graze wounds; one was treated at the scene and transported in stable condition, while another arrived at the hospital on her own and is also stable.

Two people were arrested following disturbances after the shooting, but the suspects believed responsible for the homicide remain at large. Police released photos last Thursday of individuals who may have information about the incident and are asking the public for cellphone video from before, during, or after the shooting.

Wilkerson’s mother, Robin Wilkerson, told local Fox affiliate KCPQ that her family laid him to rest in his home state of Arkansas. She called it “devastating” to know the person responsible is still free.

“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, said he believes justice will be served if the suspects are caught. “Karma will do their part and get them just as bad,” he said. “I never wish ill will on anybody, but I know, whoever did this to my brother will be found.”

Family and friends remember Wilkerson, a discharged Navy veteran, as “the life of the party,” always laughing and singing. His obituary describes him as a devoted father of three who cherished his children.

“He was especially excited to be called DADDY,” the obituary says. “Proudly and profoundly LOVING his kids with all his heart.”

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