On the afternoon of August 13, 2024, 41-year-old Matthew Robert Budney was found behind a 7-Eleven on Sand Point Way Northeast in North Seattle with a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. Responders pronounced him dead just before 3 p.m. after attempts to save him failed. Budney had been seen talking with at least two people shortly before shots were fired; witnesses reported two suspects then fled in a vehicle. A black Jeep believed to have belonged to Budney was involved in the police investigation.

Seattle Police homicide detectives led the probe and on August 17, 2024, arrested a 36-year-old man, identified as Ryan Michael Danford. He was booked into the King County Jail on charges of second-degree murder and first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm and made an initial court appearance on September 4, 2024. Police have not released descriptions of any other suspects.

Budney is remembered by family as a loving father and son; a memorial service was held in Fountain Inn, South Carolina. If anyone saw activity near the 7-Eleven on Sand Point Way Northeast that afternoon or knows more about the vehicle seen fleeing, please come forward.