South Park Home Mistakenly Targeted, Sleeping Man Killed

A 25-year-old man was recently arrested by Seattle police on suspicion that he fired multiple shots into a home in South Park. Several of the bullets struck and killed a sleeping man inside the house at the 1000 block of South Donovan Street. The shooting occurred at 1 a.m., early on a Sunday morning. The man killed inside his home was Sam Nang Lam, who died from his injuries at the scene of the crime.

The daughter of the victim told the police her 56-year-old father was sleeping downstairs when the shots began. A person of interest was identified, and his vehicle later located in Kent. After watching the vehicle for a couple of days, detectives followed the suspect to SeaTac, stopped the vehicle and arrested the suspect. While the suspect was booked into King County Jail, the homicide investigation is ongoing, and the man has not yet been formally charged.

The victim, San Nang Lam, moved to the United States from Vietnam. Lam met his wife in the United States, and they subsequently had two daughters; his wife had two children from a prior marriage, and Lam had a son and grandson he brought to the United States in 2017. Lam's obituary stated that “He gave up everything to see his children have a better life.”

Different Levels of Murder in the State of Washington

If the investigation definitively proves that the man in custody is, in fact, the shooter, he will likely be charged with some level of murder or manslaughter, and his name released. The various types of murder and manslaughter in the state of Washington include:

First-Degree Murder

This is the most serious type of murder and is committed when a person knowingly and purposefully kills another person. First-degree murder is also charged when one person causes significant bodily harm to an individual, who later dies as a result of those injuries. First-degree murder is generally premeditated, although first-degree murder can be charged when there is extreme indifference on the part of the defendant, or the death occurred as the defendant was in the process of committing another felony offense. Aggravated first-degree murder can be charged when the victim was a police officer or other official performing his or her job duties, a newspaper reporter covering the actions of the defendant, the defendant was in prison for a felony at the time of the murder, the killing was the result of a drive-by shooting, and certain other instances. First-degree murder is a Class A felony.

Second-Degree Murder

Second-degree murder occurs when a person is intentionally killed by another, but with no premeditation, such as during the heat of the moment. Second-degree murder may also occur when a felony is being committed, and a person dies during the commission of that felony. Second-degree murder is also a Class A felony.

First-Degree Manslaughter

Manslaughter in the first degree occurs when one person recklessly causes the death of another, or when a person intentionally and unlawfully kills an unborn child by inflicting injury upon the mother of the child. Manslaughter in the first degree is a Class A felony.

Second-Degree Manslaughter

Manslaughter in the second degree occurs when one person causes the death of another through criminal negligence. Manslaughter in the second degree is a Class B felony.

Getting Help for Your Washington State Murder or Manslaughter Charges

If you have been charged with murder or manslaughter in the state of Washington, you are facing grave consequences. A Class A felony conviction can result in a prison sentence from years, to life, and fines as hefty as $50,000. A Class B felony conviction can result in up to ten years in prison and a fine as large as $20,000.

Because of the serious nature of murder and manslaughter, it is essential that you speak to a knowledgeable Washington state criminal attorney as quickly as possible. An experienced criminal law attorney will ensure you receive the best defense possible, protecting your rights and your future every step of the way.

Getting Help From Seattle Criminal Defense Attorneys at Lewis & Laws, PLLC

If you are charged with a crime in Seattle, such as murder or manslaughter, contact an experienced Seattle criminal defense lawyer immediately. These charges are severe and could affect your entire future. Without an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side, you may find yourself spending the rest of your life behind bars.

The experienced lawyers at Lewis & Laws, PLLC have successfully defended clients in Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland. Call us today at 206.209.0608 or fill out our online contact form.