Court updates Suspect in First Hill homeless ax murders being treated at Western State, Capitol Hill Station murder case continues

Liam Kryger is undergoing treatment at Western State Hospital under a court order aimed at restoring his mental competency to stand trial for the ax murders of two homeless men in Seattle. Prosecutors assert that evidence, including mobile phone and video footage, links Kryger to both attacks, the first occurring on February 10th and the second less than two weeks later. In a separate incident, Shawn Patrick Moore remains incarcerated as he faces murder charges stemming from the May 2024 stabbing of Capitol Hill chef Corey Bellett. Moore's defense argues for case dismissal, citing alleged violations of his right to legal counsel during police questioning. The court has permitted the prosecution to continue while granting Moore a new attorney to represent him.

The trial is currently scheduled for October, although it has faced multiple continuations. Bellett was remembered at a fundraiser held at the restaurant where he worked, emphasizing the local impact of the case. Both cases highlight ongoing concerns regarding violence and mental health issues within the Seattle community.