Justin Grant Unin "Sushi" Schwartz, a 22-year-old Alaskan Native man, found a vibrant community in the rave scene of Seattle, a place where his energetic and warm spirit thrived. Born in Bethel, Alaska, on April 28, 1983, he was a proud member of the Cup'ik Tribe from Chevak. Adopted at the age of one, he grew up in West Seattle, and though he had a twin brother adopted by another family, he carved out his own unique identity.
His friends and family knew him as a man with a love for music, dancing, and Japanese culture, even nicknaming himself "Sushi" due to his frequent trips to Japan while serving in the Navy. After his military service, he attended South Seattle Community College, where he was involved in student government, and had a passion for golf, bowling, and playing the piano.
On the night of March 24, 2006, Justin attended a "Better Off Undead" rave at the Capitol Hill Arts Center. In the early hours of the following morning, March 25, he and a group of fellow ravers continued the night at an after-party in a nearby house. It was a gathering of young people enjoying the camaraderie of their shared interests, a seemingly safe and celebratory space. However, the night took a horrific turn when another attendee, 28-year-old Kyle Aaron Huff, left the party and returned armed with a shotgun and a handgun. Without warning, Huff opened fire on the partygoers, turning a scene of joy into one of unimaginable violence.
Justin Schwartz was tragically one of six people killed in the mass shooting that became known as the Capitol Hill massacre. He sustained fatal gunshot wounds, his promising life cut short in a senseless act of violence. The gunman, Kyle Huff, shot and killed himself as police confronted him at the scene. Because the perpetrator died by suicide, there were no arrests or suspects to be tried in connection with Justin's death. The motive behind Huff's rampage remains unclear, leaving a painful void for the families of the victims. Justin's death was a profound loss to his mother, Debra Schwartz, his grandfather, and a large extended family who remembered him for his charismatic way and the joy he found in his passions.
