Seattle, Washington – Seattle Police homicide detectives are currently investigating the tragic death of a 9-month-old child in the Magnolia neighborhood.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the 3000 block of 21st Ave. W, near the Interbay Athletic Complex. It was reported that a man, identified as 35-year-old Dion Montgomery, fired shots at two individuals in a nearby block, narrowly missing them and hitting parked cars instead.
Upon his arrest, a distressing call was received reporting that a woman had been seen outside carrying a gun, stating that her baby had been shot. The woman, identified as Montgomery’s wife, revealed to officers that she had heard a gunshot while in the bathroom, and her husband had dismissed it as a “blank” round. As she discovered the gun in his possession, she intervened, only to find their child had been fatally injured.
Tragically, the child was pronounced dead at the scene, prompting the mother to seek help outdoors. Both parents were taken into custody for questioning, with Montgomery being charged with first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Court documents disclosed that Montgomery had a history of prior arrests and felony charges, with a bail set at $5 million. His wife stated that he had a habit of carrying a gun and had consumed PCP before the incident, attributing his behavior to “demons.”
The National Library of Medicine defines Phencyclidine (PCP) as a hallucinogenic substance known for inducing euphoria and altered perceptions. Montgomery’s wife shared concerns about his behavior, noting his occasional erratic episodes and a past attempt to harm her.
Despite no known mental health diagnosis, Montgomery’s wife emphasized his role as a loving father, making the tragic events even more incomprehensible. The community is left shocked and devastated by this senseless loss of innocent life.