A verbal disagreement inside a Lynnwood, Washington, pub on the night of April 10, 2026, escalated into a fatal shooting that claimed the life of 38-year-old Mecos Oneal. Oneal, a Black man, was a beloved father, husband, and youth soccer coach known for his positive presence in the community. The incident occurred at Just Left Pub and Grill, where Oneal had gotten into an argument with another patron, later identified as 44-year-old Joseph Raymond.
Witnesses reported that the two men
had a heated exchange inside the bar, which then moved to the area behind the establishment. Shortly after, patrons heard two gunshots. Lynnwood police responded to the scene just after 10 p.m. and found Oneal in the parking lot with a gunshot wound to his neck. Bystanders were attempting to render aid before he was transported to a local hospital. Oneal remained in the hospital for five days before succumbing to his injuries on April 15.
The investigation into the shooting led police to Joseph Raymond. Investigators were able to quickly identify him because he had left his credit card at the bar. Raymond later called 911 to turn himself in and was arrested in Marysville without incident. He claimed to have acted in self-defense. A revolver with one spent casing was found during a search of Raymond's Ford F-150. Oneal was unarmed at the time of the shooting.
Joseph Raymond was booked into the Snohomish County Jail and charged with second-degree murder and first-degree assault. In court, prosecutors argued that surveillance video showed Raymond becoming increasingly agitated throughout the evening, leading to the escalation. Oneal's father spoke in court, emphasizing that his son was unarmed and calling the shooting senseless. The family has started a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses and to support his children.
