UW student admits to shooting WSU football player this fall

Jakori Buchanan, a 20-year-old University of Washington student, pleaded guilty to third-degree assault for shooting WSU football player Uilisone “Sone” Falealo during a party in Pullman on September 21. The plea deal prevented a jury trial on multiple charges, including felony second-degree assault. Buchanan received a sentence of three months in jail and one year of probation, the maximum allowed under Washington law. Witnesses reported that an altercation began when Falealo and other football players, acting as security, attempted to remove Buchanan from the party. Video surveillance captured the moment Buchanan struck Falealo with a handgun before a shot was fired.

Falealo was treated for his injuries and has since been released from the hospital. Bellevue attorney Ronnie Rae argued that Buchanan acted in self-defense. Buchanan had no prior criminal history and was arrested two days after the incident.