20-Year-Old Suspect in Fatal US Shooting Arrested in Kenya and Extradited

In a significant development in an international manhunt, a 20-year-old suspect, Salman Haji, was arrested in Kenya by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in collaboration with Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). The arrest, which took place recently, is linked to the fatal shooting of a woman in Tukwila, Washington, in 2024. Haji, accused of the murder, was extradited to the United States to face charges in Seattle, marking a critical step in a case that has drawn attention due to its cross-border implications.

The incident occurred in the parking lot of a Costco store in Tukwila, where the victim, identified as Ming, was fatally shot during a violent purse-snatching attempt. According to authorities, Haji is believed to have been the getaway driver in a Porsche SUV, which was carjacked earlier that day in Seattle. The crime was captured on multiple surveillance platforms, including CCTV footage, dashcam recordings from the getaway vehicle, and footage from a police officer who pursued the suspects immediately after the shooting. These recordings provided crucial evidence in identifying Haji as a suspect.

Following the murder, Haji fled the United States just five days later, boarding a flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. His departure was prompted by a social media post that named him as a suspect in the killing, according to court filings. The FBI, working closely with Kenyan authorities, tracked Haji to Kenya, where he was apprehended. The operation underscores the growing cooperation between U.S. and Kenyan law enforcement in tackling international fugitives.

Haji's arrest comes on the heels of another high-profile extradition case involving a Kenyan national. Kevin Kang’ethe, who fled to Kenya after allegedly killing his girlfriend, Margaret Mbitu, in Massachusetts, was arrested in Nairobi and extradited to the U.S. earlier this year. Mbitu’s body was found in a vehicle at Boston’s Logan International Airport, and Kang’ethe’s case highlighted the challenges of pursuing suspects across borders. Haji’s case similarly reflects the complexities of international crime and the importance of global law enforcement partnerships.

Upon his return to the United States, Haji was detained in King County, Washington, where he awaits trial for murder charges. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Seattle has confirmed that Haji is in custody, and the case is moving forward with the evidence gathered from the crime scene and subsequent investigations. The clarity of the surveillance footage, combined with the rapid response of law enforcement, has strengthened the case against him.

This arrest has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of international law enforcement collaboration. The FBI’s ability to locate and apprehend Haji in Kenya demonstrates the reach of U.S. authorities in pursuing fugitives abroad. Similarly, Kenya’s DCI played a pivotal role in ensuring the suspect was detained and extradited swiftly, reinforcing the country’s commitment to assisting in global crime-fighting efforts.

The case also highlights the broader issue of violent crime in the U.S., particularly in public spaces like shopping centers. The Costco shooting shocked the Tukwila community, raising concerns about safety and the prevalence of gun violence. For the victim’s family and friends, Haji’s arrest brings a sense of progress toward justice, though the pain of their loss remains.

As the legal process unfolds, attention will focus on the trial and the evidence presented against Haji. The surveillance footage, which captured the crime in detail, is expected to play a central role in the prosecution’s case. Additionally, the cooperation between U.S. and Kenyan authorities may set a precedent for future extraditions, particularly in cases involving serious crimes like murder.

For now, Haji remains in custody in Seattle, awaiting further court proceedings. The case serves as a reminder of the global nature of modern crime and the importance of international partnerships in ensuring justice is served.