Seattle, Washington – In a tragic incident, a 9-month-old child was fatally shot in the head by their father in the Magnolia neighborhood. Seattle Police homicide detectives have launched an investigation into the heartbreaking death that occurred on Wednesday evening in the 3000 block of 21st Ave. W.
The harrowing events unfolded when officers initially responded to reports of a man firing a gun at two individuals, narrowly missing them and hitting nearby parked cars. Both victims identified the alleged shooter as 35-year-old Dion Montgomery. Shortly thereafter, a distressing call was made to 911 reporting that a woman had found her baby shot after an altercation with her husband, Montgomery.
Upon speaking with the woman, it was revealed that Montgomery had misled her by suggesting that the gunshot she heard was from a “blank” round. However, the truth unfolded when she discovered the gun in his possession and went to check on their child, only to find a devastating scene. Tragically, the child was pronounced dead at the scene.
Both parents were taken into custody for questioning, with Montgomery facing charges of first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, and first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. The distraught mother revealed to authorities that Montgomery has a history of carrying a gun and had smoked PCP, a hallucinogenic substance, prior to the incident, attributing his actions to “demons.”
According to court documents, Montgomery’s wife mentioned his erratic behavior in the past, indicating that he displayed a disturbing demeanor at times. Despite the shocking events, she expressed that he had never harmed their child before and claimed ignorance of any diagnosed mental health conditions in Montgomery.
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office disclosed Montgomery’s extensive criminal record, with 16 prior arrests and 14 felony charges ranging from theft to assault. Bail for Montgomery has been set at $5 million as authorities continue to investigate this heartbreaking tragedy in the Magnolia neighborhood.