On a tragic spring day in Seattle, Washington, Donald B. Don Largen, a 57-year-old Caucasian male, became one of the victims in a senseless act of violence that shook the city. It was May 30, 2012, when a gunman, later identified as 40-year-old Ian Stawicki, entered the Café Racer and opened fire. Largen, an urban planner and talented saxophone player, was among those shot in the horrific event.
He was rushed to Harborview Medical Center, but tragically succumbed to his injuries.
The deadly rampage began at approximately 11 a.m. at the cafe located at 5828 Roosevelt Way N.E. Stawicki, who had been previously banned from the establishment, lingered before drawing two pistols and shooting his first victim in the back of the head, blocking the doorway. He then proceeded to shoot others in what police described as an execution-style manner. Amid the chaos, one patron, Lawrence Adams, heroically fought back by throwing a barstool at the gunman, an act that created an opportunity for others to escape.
Stawicki fled the scene, sparking an extensive manhunt that spanned several neighborhoods. His violent spree continued when he confronted Gloria Leonidas in a downtown parking lot near Eighth Avenue and Seneca Street, fatally shooting her and stealing her vehicle. He then drove to West Seattle. As law enforcement closed in, Stawicki ultimately took his own life.
In the aftermath of the city-wide tragedy, four people, including Donald Largen, lost their lives from the Café Racer shooting, and Gloria Leonidas was killed shortly after. Because the lone suspect, Ian Stawicki, died by suicide, no arrests were made in connection with these homicides. The community was left to mourn the loss of the victims, including Don Largen, who was remembered by friends as a brutally honest man with a great big heart, and a loving partner of 22 years to Glenna Wilson.
