Ian Stawicki

Mass Murderer

Ian Stawicki and the 2012 Seattle Café Racer Shooting

Overview

Ian Lee Stawicki carried out a deadly shooting spree in Seattle, Washington, on May 30, 2012. During a period of approximately five hours, he killed four people inside Café Racer, seriously wounded another man, murdered a woman while stealing her vehicle, and fled across the city. The violence ended in West Seattle when police located him and he fatally shot himself as officers closed in. The attack began shortly before 11:00 a.m. at Café Racer, a small restaurant, bar, and gathering place for artists and musicians in Seattle's University District. Stawicki was familiar to employees and customers because he had visited the business before. Witnesses and people associated with the café later described him as argumentative, disruptive, and prone to making other patrons uncomfortable. He had reportedly been told that he was no longer welcome there.

Background of Ian Stawicki

Ian Lee Stawicki was born on September 16, 1971. He lived in Seattle and had a history of erratic behavior, anger, interpersonal conflict, and troubling encounters with people who knew him. His father, Walt Stawicki, later described him as a private and increasingly disgruntled man whose emotional condition appeared to deteriorate before the killings. Police records indicated that officers had previously encountered Stawicki in connection with allegations involving assault, domestic violence, malicious mischief, and weapons. In February 2008, police responded to a reported domestic disturbance involving Stawicki and a girlfriend. According to accounts of the police report, the woman had a bloody nose and said Stawicki had struck her and damaged some of her belongings. She also described episodes in which he became enraged and broke objects. Despite concerns expressed by relatives and others, Stawicki legally possessed several firearms. Authorities later determined that he owned multiple 9mm and .45-caliber handguns. He carried two .45-caliber semiautomatic pistols during the May 30 attack, including a Remington 1911 R1 and a compact Colt New Agent pistol.

The Café Racer Shooting

At approximately 10:57 a.m. on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, Stawicki entered Café Racer at 5828 Roosevelt Way Northeast. Several customers were inside, along with employees preparing food and serving patrons. Members of the staff recognized Stawicki and reminded him that he had previously been asked to leave the establishment. Instead of immediately departing, Stawicki remained inside for several minutes. He eventually moved toward the entrance, creating the impression that he was leaving. He then drew a handgun and began firing at people inside the café. The sudden attack trapped customers in the confined room and created panic as those who could move searched for an exit or cover. One person attempted to disrupt the gunman by throwing a bar stool. The resistance gave several people an opportunity to escape. Stawicki nevertheless continued firing at other patrons at close range. Police officials later characterized the shootings as deliberate and execution-like rather than random gunfire sprayed throughout the room. Four people were fatally wounded inside Café Racer. A fifth victim, café chef Leonard Meuse, was critically injured but survived. Stawicki left the café after the shooting, reportedly taking a hat belonging to one of the victims. Responding officers found a devastating scene and began searching the surrounding neighborhood while paramedics attempted to help the wounded. ...

Confirmed Victims: (5)

Joe Vito Albanese 52 yr old Male

Seattle Cafe Shooter Kills 5