On a summer evening at Alki Beach in West Seattle, what began as a dispute over fireworks escalated into a fatal shooting that claimed the life of 22-year-old Tilorae Shepherd, a male from Federal Way. On June 28, 2021, Shepherd was with friends when a confrontation arose with another group regarding the use of fireworks. The argument quickly intensified, leading to a tragic and violent conclusion.
Just before midnight, multiple 911 calls reported a shooting near Alki Avenue SW.
When police and paramedics arrived, they discovered Shepherd lying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy later revealed that Shepherd had been struck by at least five bullets, with a shot to the chest proving fatal. Two other individuals, a 22-year-old man and woman, also sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to their legs during the incident.
The investigation swiftly led to the identification of a suspect, 19-year-old Milton Arnold III of Des Moines. He was taken into custody shortly after the shooting. According to charging documents, the initial confrontation began after the female victim was reportedly hit by a firework. Shepherd and his friends approached Arnold's group, and witnesses stated that at one point Shepherd displayed a handgun in his waistband but did not draw it. In the ensuing moments, Arnold produced his own firearm and shot Shepherd multiple times.
Arnold was initially charged with second-degree murder for Shepherd's death and two counts of first-degree assault for the injuries to the other victims. He claimed he acted in self-defense. Ultimately, Arnold pleaded guilty to reduced charges of second-degree manslaughter and two counts of second-degree assault. He was sentenced to four and a half years in prison, with credit for time served since his arrest.
