Kent Police have arrested two juvenile suspects in connection with the Aug. 22, 2024 assault of a 56-year-old man who later died from his injuries, and they’re seeking a third.

Police said the incident occurred at approximately 9:04 p.m. near East James Street and Central Avenue North, where a group of juveniles reportedly attacked a man riding a bicycle.

Multiple 911 callers alerted authorities to the assault, during which witnesses said up to 20 juveniles ran into the street, knocked the victim off his bike, and proceeded to hit and kick him while he was on the ground. Bystanders attempted to intervene by honking their car horns and shouting, but the group fled the scene as police arrived. The victim, who had been unconscious when officers arrived, was treated at the scene by Puget Sound Fire personnel before being transported to Harborview Medical Center, where he underwent surgery. Tragically, the man died from his injuries on September 8.

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office is currently investigating the exact cause of death.

Through witness interviews and video evidence, Kent Police Detectives identified three juvenile males as the primary suspects in the assault. On September 26, Kent detectives, in collaboration with the Kent Police Crime Reduction Unit and the Tukwila Police Special Enforcement Unit, arrested two of the suspects without incident. A 17-year-old male was taken into custody at Kent Meridian High School, and a 16-year-old male was arrested at Kentridge High School. Both are Kent residents and have been booked into King County Juvenile Detention on second-degree murder charges.

Police are continuing to investigate the events leading up to the assault and are determining whether additional individuals will face charges.

Police Seeking Help Finding Third Suspect

Police are seeking the public’s help in locating the third suspect, identified as 15-year-old Skyler David Young, also a Kent resident. Anyone with information on Young’s whereabouts is urged to contact Kent Police by calling the non-emergency dispatch line at 253-852-2121 or by dialing 911.

Additionally, police are requesting that any witnesses who have not yet come forward contact their tip line at 253-856-5808 or email kentTipLine@kentwa.gov.

“We want to thank Tukwila Police Department and the School Resources Officers in both High Schools for assisting Kent Police in effecting a safe and quick arrest of the two suspects,” police said in a statement.

The investigation remains ongoing as police work to bring the third suspect into custody and gather further information about the assault.

Scott Schaefer

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