Hundreds of community members gathered together at the South Park Community Center July 20 to ask questions about the murder in their community on Sunday morning.

Around 3 a.m. on July 19 an unknown suspect entered the home of two women, ages 36 and 39, in the 700 block of South Rose Street. He attacked both with a knife, killing one. The second victim is undergoing medical treatment at a local hospital.

"What we saw yesterday was one of the worst things we’ve ever seen," said Interim Police Chief John Diaz. "This was a horrific crime conducted by a coward.”

The suspect is still at large. Police have released a sketch of the suspect and ask that citizens call the homicide unit at (206) 684-5550 with any information, or King County Crime Stoppers at (206) 343-2020 or send a text to “crimes” (274637).

The suspect is described as a black male in his late 20's or early 30's, 5 feet 9 inches tall with a thin muscular build, a thin moustache and “nappy” hair

"This investigation is of the highest priority to this department and to the city,” said Police Chief Nick Metz.

At this time, police report that the victims did not know the suspect and are unsure of the motive behind the attack.

"These things should not happen," said Southwest Precinct Captain Joe Kessler. "These are the crimes that I don’t understand."

Mayor Greg Nickels attended the impromptu community meeting and assured community members that the suspect would be found.

“We have worked so hard to improve safety in the South Park neighborhood, but unfortunately there are evil people in the world," said Nickels. "We will use every resource necessary to catch this person and bring them to justice.”

Officer Adrian Diaz talked to community members about the emotional impacts of the crime on the local community.

“Yesterday I responded to this event and I was deeply horrified by what I saw,” said Adrian Diaz. “I hope we can all work together and have an opportunity to express each other’s emotions and just listen.”

All of the officers urge community members to protect themselves by securing their doors and windows and developing closer relationships with their community members.

“This is a very safe city, but we still have to be careful,” said John Diaz.

Citizens are asked to call 911 to report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods, and to contact the Seattle Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at (206) 684-7724 for additional information on personal safety.

There will be a candlelight vigil held for the victims on July 23 at 7:30 p.m. outside the South Park Community Center.