Update Friday Dec.11
Si Phu 24, was arrested on suspicion of murder for the shooting death of his niece Christy Phu over her refusal to give up a pair of shoes was charged Thursday with first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm. He was being held in the King County Jail in lieu of $2 million bail. He will be arraigned on Dec. 22.

Original Post
Following the shooting death of a 14 year old Chief Sealth High School freshman girl Seattle Police Detectives arrested 24 year old suspect Si Phu in the South Seattle area Tuesday morning and will book him into the King County Jail for Investigation of Homicide. The suspect and victim were related.

Officers responded to the 3500 block of South Brandon Street around 3:15 PM after a woman called and reported a shooting. The victim died a short time later at the scene.

The shooting was reportedly due to the victim's refusal to give up a pair of shoes.

A letter from Sealth High School Principal Aida Fraser-Hammer was sent to families announcing a candlelight vigil set for tomorrow at 5 pm

Dear Sealth Families,

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I share the tragic news that one of our students was the victim of a fatal shooting yesterday in Columbia City. Seattle Police are investigating, and we are in communication with her family.

As a community, I know we will come together to not only support our student’s family members, but work to ensure our larger community is a safe place for us to live, learn and work.

We have counselors at school today and will continue to have counselors and mental health support available in the days ahead for students, staff and families, as needed. When someone dies, particularly in an act of violence, it is normal for children and teens to have different kinds of feelings and reactions. Parents and guardians have important roles in helping students understand about death.

We understand that each culture has its own way of dealing with death, and we encourage children to talk with their families about their ideas, thoughts and beliefs. Additionally, talking about the incident can be a healthy way for families to process their feelings and reactions to an event of this nature.

Here are some suggestions for how to help students cope:

• Maintain a normal routine.
• Stick to facts. Answer questions factually.
• Remain calm and reassuring. Students take their cues from their parents and adults.
• Be a good listener and observer. Pay attention to changes in behavior.
• Notice when children have questions and want to talk.
• Be especially loving and supportive; children and teens need you even more at this time.
• Take care of yourself. You are better able to help your students if you are coping well. If you are anxious or upset, children are more likely to be so as well.

We recognize that even if your student may not have known or been close to this family, he/she may still feel a strong reaction. We also realize this may be your student’s first experience with death or it may trigger feelings about other deaths your child may have experienced.

A candlelight vigil is planned and details will be shared as information becomes available. This is an opportunity for students and families to acknowledge their grief and express their feelings about a sudden loss for which they have no control over.

If you have any questions, please let me know. We will keep you updated on how we as a community can move forward, and how we can support the family.