A 21-year old passenger, Marcel Da’jon Wagner, lost his life on a Seattle, Washington bus while sleeping after a 17-year old boy randomly shot him.
After a month long search for the shooting suspect, Miguel Rivera Dominguez finally turned himself into authorities.
According to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the teenager is charged with first-degree murder and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.
Dominguez is expected to be tried as an adult despite his age. The charges stem from a terrifying shooting aboard a King County Metro Transit Bus in White Center at 5:10 p.m. on Oct. 3.
Surveillance video shows Dominguez boarding the bus wearing a full ski mask. He walks to the back of the bus and sits down for 12 minutes before pulling out a handgun and opening fire, shooting Wagner.
Wagner seemed to be asleep when he was shot, unaware of the danger or that he was even randomly attacked.
Prosecutors claimed, “Mr. Dominguez shot the victim in the head and neck without any provocation and without ever having interacted with the victim before. This was a complete senseless execution of a total stranger.”
“As the 15 other bus passengers screamed and watched in horror as they tried to find cover, the defendant then fired two more shots through the door of the bus before fleeing. He then proceeded to find a location to change his clothing before returning to his home,” prosecutors added.
Authorities reported that none of the other passengers or the bus driver was injured during the shooting.
Wagner died instantly from the multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police launched a massive search for the shooter, who fled the scene and was considered armed and dangerous.
“Multiple specialized units, including Guardian 1 aerial support and a K9 Unit, responded to conduct a thorough search for the individuals involved,” the KCSO said in the statement.
On Oct. 16, police identified Dominguez as the suspect. Authorities said they don’t believe he and Wagner knew each other.
As police continue to investigate, friends and family continue to mourn Wagner’s shocking death.
“Another young soul lost,” Wagner’s former teacher at Chief Sealth International High School, Vernel Nicholas said. “Sitting on a bus, asleep. Sleeping!”
He remembers Wagner as “energetic, outgoing and lovable,” and said he always told him to continue to focus on your goals.
Dominguez is being held on a $3 million bail.
