In the early morning hours of July 21, 2020, the life of Anthony E. Parker, a 49-year-old Black/African American man, was tragically cut short in Seattle, Washington. The fatal encounter unfolded around 4 a.m. at the Everspring Inn on Aurora Avenue North, a location that had been marked by another deadly shooting just two months prior. An argument between Parker and another individual escalated into a violent confrontation that ultimately claimed Parker's life.
The man who was later
arrested and charged in connection with Parker's death was identified as 48-year-old Larone Deshawn Charles. According to court records, the altercation between the two men began in the motel lobby and spilled out into the parking lot. Surveillance footage captured the moments leading up to the shooting, showing both Parker and Charles were armed. The footage reportedly shows Charles drawing his weapon first and firing at Parker, who also appeared to be attempting to draw his own firearm. Parker was struck by the gunfire and, despite the arrival of police and medics, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. An autopsy later revealed that a gunshot wound to the chest was the cause of his death.
Following an investigation, which was aided by anonymous tips, Larone Deshawn Charles was apprehended by Kent Police on July 25, 2020. He was subsequently charged with second-degree murder, second-degree assault, and first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. Prosecutors highlighted Charles's extensive criminal history, which included a prior conviction for a violent assault and kidnapping, in their request for a high bail amount. He was held at the King County Correctional Facility, and his arraignment was scheduled for early August 2020.
