Shown at his graduation with his father Sergio, White Center murder victim Michael Delfin-Rodriguez, was gunned down in White Center in a case of possibly mistaken identity.
Saul Delfin-Rodriguez the brother of White Center murder victim, 22 year old Michael Delfin-Rodriguez spoke at a press conference on Dec. 4 seeking the community's help in finding the suspects in Michael's murder.
According to Saul, he and Michael were riding their bike and skateboard around 2:15 a.m. on Wednesday, November 27th near SW 108th St. and 2nd Ave. SW when they were approached by two black male juveniles.
Saul said, "they were just young kids."
They were confronted by the suspects and accused of being in a gang, which they denied. It's likely the suspects thought they were gang members and were simply mistaken, according to police. The Sheriff's office said that the the two brothers are not involved in a gang. "We truly believe that this was just a case of mistaken identity."
The brothers started walking away and seconds later Michael was shot in the back and fell to the ground. Several shots were fired according to police. His brother said he died within minutes. "He didn't say anything, but I was able to hold him in my arms and tell him I loved him," Saul said. "You need to understand," said Deputy Charles Akers," that Saul watched his brother die."
"It's possible that the suspects were amateur gangsters just looking to encounter rival gang members to ambush them in a cowardly way. By shooting at these individuals as they walked away and hitting one of them in the back, that's about as cowardly as you can get," said Deputy Akers.
Evidence was recovered at the scene but authorities did not divulge the caliber of the weapon used or any other details.
The King County Sheriff’s Office says the suspects were black men likely in their teens, and signaling a possible gang connection one was wearing a red top. They may have fled the scene in a small or mid-sized light colored sedan.
Deputy Akers pointed out that, "anybody could have been hit by the rounds that were fired so we are definitely asking for the public's help because these two guys are a danger to the public."
Anyone with any information is asked to call 206-296-3311.
