On the evening of April 29, 2000, the life of 19-year-old James Hunter Sanderson, a White male, came to a tragic and unexpected end in Seattle, Washington. A freshman at the University of Washington, Sanderson was known for his outgoing and friendly personality. However, on this particular night in the University District, his behavior was described as bizarre and erratic by witnesses.
Reports indicate that the 6-foot-4 student was seen grabbing at people on the sidewalk and wandering into the street. The situation escalated when Sanderson jumped onto the hood of a car at Northeast 50th Street and University Way Northeast.
The driver of the car, a 22-year-old man, yelled at Sanderson, who then got off the vehicle. At this point, accounts of what transpired differ. Some witnesses told authorities that Sanderson opened the car door and tried to grab the driver. In contrast, other onlookers claimed that Sanderson was walking away when the driver shot him. The driver, who was legally licensed to carry the 9mm semi-automatic handgun he used, stated to police that he felt his life was in danger. Sanderson was struck by the gunfire and died about 90 minutes later. In the wake of the incident, friends suggested that Sanderson may have been under the influence of LSD, which might have accounted for his strange actions.
The 22-year-old driver was interviewed by detectives and subsequently released. The case was not immediately forwarded to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office as the investigation continued. The driver's identity was withheld as no immediate charges were filed. A spokesperson for the prosecutor's office noted that a citizen is not required to retreat in a situation where they feel threatened, and the perception of a threat is often defined by the individual who feels endangered. Ultimately, after a review of the case, the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office decided not to file charges against the driver. The death of James Hunter Sanderson was a deeply felt loss within the University of Washington community, prompting discussions about safety and the unforeseen circumstances that can lead to tragedy.
