Trial begins for Edmonds man accused in January 2024 fatal shooting of rideshare driver

The trial for Alex Matthew Waggoner, 22, began in Snohomish County, where he faces charges of second-degree murder in the shooting death of rideshare driver Abdikadir Gedi Shariif. Prosecutor Bob Langbehn detailed the events leading up to the shooting, including dashcam footage that captured Waggoner firing at Shariif eight times following a near-collision. The defense contends that Waggoner acted in self-defense, driven by fear after consuming alcohol and believing Shariif was a threat. Witnesses corroborated the chaotic scene, with one describing the gunfire and another seeing Waggoner fleeing. Langbehn emphasized that the shooting stemmed from Waggoner's aggression, not self-defense, as he later expressed remorse and wrote an apology to Shariif's family.

The case raises critical questions about self-defense in gun violence incidents. Waggoner's background and legal firearm ownership have also emerged as focal points in the trial. The outcome could influence local perceptions of gun rights and self-defense laws.