On the night of June 28, 2021, a dispute over fireworks at Alki Beach in West Seattle ended in a fatal shooting that killed 22-year-old Tilorae Shepherd of Federal Way. Witnesses reported an argument between two groups after a female in Shepherd’s party was struck by a firework. Multiple 911 callers reported a shooting just before midnight on Alki Avenue SW.

Police and medics found Shepherd in the street with multiple gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy showed at least five gunshot wounds, including a fatal shot to the chest. Two others — a 22-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman — suffered non-life-threatening leg wounds.

Investigators identified 19-year-old Milton Arnold III of Des Moines as a suspect and took him into custody shortly after the shooting. Charging documents say witnesses saw Shepherd display a handgun in his waistband but not draw it, and that Arnold then produced a firearm and shot Shepherd multiple times. Arnold later pleaded guilty to reduced charges and received a prison sentence.

Did anyone who was at Alki Beach that night notice what sparked the argument before the fireworks incident?