In the early morning hours of August 17, 2024, the life of 22-year-old Francisco David Escatell, a Black / African American male, was tragically cut short. The young father was inside an after-hours nightclub in Seattle's SODO neighborhood when gunfire erupted at approximately 3:00 a.m. Responding to reports of a shooting in the 1900 block of First Avenue South, Seattle police discovered Escatell unconscious.
A security guard was administering CPR, the only person who remained behind to help.
First responders rushed Escatell to Harborview Medical Center, but his injuries were too severe. The King County Medical Examiner's Office later confirmed that he died from multiple gunshot wounds to the torso, ruling his death a homicide. He left behind his 16-month-old son, Esmani, and a devastated family who described him as a loving brother and son. His death marked the 37th homicide in Seattle for the year.
The nightclub where the shooting occurred has been described as an illegal and unlicensed establishment with a history of creating problems in the neighborhood, including previous break-ins and other shootings. In the aftermath of Escatell's death, his family has spoken out about the need for greater regulation of such venues to prevent similar tragedies. As of the latest reports, the Seattle Police Department's investigation into the fatal shooting is ongoing, but no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified.
