An 18-year-old from Kent, Faysal Abdullahi, has been charged in King County Superior Court for his involvement in a shooting that resulted in the death of a 13-year-old boy named Matthew Stavkoviy near Turnkey Park in Kent. Prosecutors have accused Abdullahi of orchestrating an armed robbery that escalated into gunfire, leading to the tragic death of the young boy.
The incident unfolded when Abdullahi agreed to purchase a camera and camera equipment from a boy through the app OfferUp and arranged to meet at Turnkey Park around 9 p.m. on July 17. Accompanying the boy selling the gear were his friend, as well as Stavkoviy and his 15-year-old sister who decided to tag along. As they met at the park, a masked individual approached them brandishing a pistol, resulting in the boy being pushed to the ground and robbed of his equipment. Gunshots were fired during the altercation, prompting the victims to flee. Stavkoviy, trying to drive away on an ATV, was struck by a bullet in the back and ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
While Abdullahi may not have intended for anyone to be killed that night, prosecutors argue that his actions set off a chain of events that led to the tragic outcome. The authorities were able to track down Abdullahi through cellphone data and surveillance footage, revealing that he had meticulously planned the robbery and even had a getaway driver on standby. Despite his young age, prosecutors were surprised by the level of planning and premeditation exhibited by Abdullahi.
Currently, Abdullahi is being held in custody with bail set at $2 million. His arraignment is scheduled for August 5th, as confirmed by Casey McNerthney, a spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office. The community policies of The Seattle Times prevent comments on sensitive stories like this, but readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences by reaching out to the reporter or submitting a letter for potential publication in the Opinion section.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of criminal activities and the importance of community safety. It highlights the need for vigilance and caution when engaging in transactions with strangers, especially in unfamiliar or isolated locations. The loss of a young life is a devastating outcome that reverberates through the entire community, emphasizing the significance of coming together to prevent such tragedies in the future.
