A dispute at a job site in Rainier Beach turned deadly on the morning of November 11, 2023. Jason F. Tuttle, 53, was shot around 10 a.m. near the 9800 block of Martin Luther King Junior Way South. First responders transported him to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition, and the King County Medical Examiner later ruled his death a homicide, from a gunshot wound to the head.

Seattle police identified and located a 33-year-old man, Ryan Smith, at a nearby house. Patrol and SWAT officers took Smith into custody. Charging documents say surveillance footage shows Smith shooting Tuttle at point-blank range after a what was described as a mild disagreement at the job site. Smith was charged with first-degree murder, pleaded not guilty at his initial court appearance, and a judge set bail at $3 million.

Tuttle’s death was recorded as Seattle’s 68th homicide for 2023. If anyone knew Jason Tuttle or saw activity near Martin Luther King Junior Way South on November 11, police may still seek information.