Edmonds man found guilty in 2024 shooting of rideshare driver

In a significant ruling, a Snohomish County jury found 22-year-old Alex Matthew Waggoner guilty of second-degree murder for the January 2024 shooting death of rideshare driver Abdikadir Gedi Shariif. During the trial, prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including dashcam footage and witness testimonies, showing that Waggoner shot Shariif 11 times after a near-collision. The jury deliberated for three hours before reaching their verdict, emphasizing that Waggoner's actions were not self-defense. Prosecutor Bob Langbehn recounted how Waggoner, drunk and armed, fired at Shariif, who was simply checking his phone at a red light. Waggoner's sentencing is scheduled for September 17, where he faces a potential lengthy prison term.

Langbehn criticized Waggoner's lack of remorse and his initial attempts to evade responsibility by lying to his girlfriend and law enforcement. He emphasized that Waggoner's actions did not meet the criteria for reasonable self-defense under Washington law. The case raises significant questions about gun violence and accountability in the community.