Seattle Police upgrade Belltown armed robbery to homicide investigation

A 41-year-old man died at the hospital after being shot during the robbery

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:55pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small metallic object, such as a spent shell casing, dramatically lit by a harsh camera flash against a black background, conceptually representing the investigation into the Belltown armed robbery.A close examination of physical evidence from the Belltown armed robbery crime scene reveals the gritty details behind this tragic incident.Seattle Today

An armed robbery in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood last week has been upgraded to a homicide investigation after the death of a 41-year-old man at the hospital on Friday morning. Two people were injured in the shooting, with one victim shot in the head and another pistol-whipped. The suspect remains at large as the Seattle Police Department's Homicide Unit takes over the investigation.

Why it matters

Violent crimes like armed robberies and homicides are concerning for the Belltown community, which has seen an increase in property crime in recent years. This incident highlights the ongoing public safety challenges facing Seattle's urban neighborhoods and the need for effective law enforcement response.

The details

According to the Seattle Police Department, the armed robbery occurred around 5:30 a.m. on April 9 in the 2400 block of 4th Avenue. One victim was shot in the head and another was pistol-whipped during the incident, which took place in a first-floor apartment. The shooting victim was still breathing when taken to the hospital, but later died on April 13. Detectives are investigating whether the suspects forced their way into the apartment or knocked on the door.

  • The armed robbery occurred around 5:30 a.m. on April 9, 2026.
  • The shooting victim died at Harborview Medical Center on April 13, 2026.

The players

Seattle Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the armed robbery and homicide.

Harborview Medical Center

The hospital where the shooting victim was taken and later died.

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What’s next

SPD's Homicide Unit is continuing to investigate the incident and search for the outstanding suspect or suspects. The medical examiner will determine the official cause of death for the 41-year-old victim.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing public safety challenges facing Seattle's urban neighborhoods and the need for effective law enforcement response to violent crimes. The community will be watching closely as the investigation progresses.