Suspect charged with murder in shooting over scooter at 12th and Spruce encampment

On February 6, 2025, William Bender, 30, was charged with second-degree murder following a deadly confrontation over an electric scooter at a homeless encampment in Seattle. The victim, Carl Hatfield, 38, was shot in the back during an altercation that reportedly began when he took the scooter from Bender, who had been attempting to sell it. Witnesses indicated that Hatfield was shot while riding the scooter, and he staggered to a nearby truck seeking assistance before dying from his injuries. Bender, who has a criminal history including burglary and domestic violence, is currently held in King County Jail on a $2 million bail. The police investigation involved witness interviews and the acquisition of security footage from the vicinity of the shooting.

Additionally, reports emerged that police paid at least one witness for information regarding the incident. This tragic event highlights the ongoing issues of violence and safety within Seattle's homeless community. With the rising tensions surrounding homelessness, this case raises critical questions about public safety and the resources available to vulnerable populations.