On the evening of May 28, 2022, a dispute over the noise from a power tool tragically escalated, leading to the death of 60-year-old Hispanic male, Francisco Barraso-Ortega of Marysville, Washington. The fatal incident occurred on the Tulalip Reservation, where Barraso-Ortega was working on a car in a detached garage with several other people. An argument reportedly began when a woman unplugged the power tool Barraso-Ortega was using.
The situation quickly intensified, and a man
identified as Abdul Qasim Ray Zahir, who was reportedly a friend of Barraso-Ortega, became involved in the confrontation. Witnesses reported hearing approximately five gunshots. Authorities were called to the scene on Totem Beach Road around 10:10 p.m. Upon arrival, Snohomish County Sheriff's deputies discovered a trail of blood that led them to the garage, where they found Barraso-Ortega's body.
The Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed that Francisco Barraso-Ortega died from gunshot wounds to the head and torso, and his death was classified as a homicide. The investigation was handled by local police in conjunction with the FBI due to the crime occurring on tribal land. Abdul Qasim Ray Zahir was arrested in connection with the shooting. He was subsequently charged in federal court with second-degree murder, using a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
