Our detectives continue to actively investigate the murder of 29-year-old John Huynh. The King County prosecutor has charged 25-year-old Ian Williams with second-degree murder in the case.
We are working closely with the prosecutor, providing all of the evidence, testimony and information we gather, to ensure the prosecutor’s office has everything it needs to determine whether a hate crime, or any other additional charges, will be filed.
Following this act of violence on April 25, we have been listening to the concerns of our residents, particularly those among the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. They have shared with us their fears. They have asked us if this violence was race related, if John Huynh was a victim of Asian hate, and whether the defendant will be charged with a hate crime.
Unfortunately, these are questions we cannot, conclusively, answer at this time. Our detectives continue to investigate all possible motives.
While Ian Williams, who identifies as Latino, lived with his mother in the same apartment building as John Huynh, it does not appear that they knew each other, or had any prior altercations about race or any other issue.
Williams has no prior criminal history. No evidence at this point leads us to believe that Williams has any links with any racist organizations. Detectives continue to investigate Williams’ activities and history.
Our detectives have interviewed and taken statements from more than 20 witnesses.
One witness told investigators that after he and Huynh exited the apartment building, the defendant made a hand gesture to them, appearing to “flip them off.” As the witness continued to their friend’s vehicle, Huynh stopped to ask the defendant whether he had waved or “flipped them off.” Beyond this point, the witness does not appear to have heard anything further in the conversation. Two other witnesses, waiting in the nearby vehicle tell investigators they saw, but did not hear the verbal exchange. Witnesses tell investigators they saw the defendant pull out a knife, stab Huynh one time in the chest, then run into the apartment building.
Williams’ mother told investigators her son ran into their apartment, yelling for her. She said he told her he’d just been attacked by an “anti-masker.” When she asked her son to show her where he had been injured, he said he was not hurt - but he thought he hurt the other guy.
After obtaining a search warrant for Williams’ apartment, detectives located a black, folding knife with blood on the blade. It was taken into evidence, and is believed to be the murder weapon.
Bothell Police detectives have also obtained some video evidence. This video, from a surveillance camera mounted in the lobby of the apartment offers a silent, partially obstructed view through the lobby doors to the outside of the building.
Due to its sensitive nature, we have no plans to publicly post this video. However, we will release the video, in response to a public records request by the news media, as required by law. We have informed the family of John Huynh. They requested and received the opportunity to view the video before it is seen by the public.
Bothell Police continues to devote all available detectives to this investigation. Two of those detectives are also serving as family liasons, providing the victim's family with regular updates.
Posted on: April 26, 2021
Bothell Police Investigate Homicide, Arrest Lone Suspect
Bothell Police arrested a lone suspect Sunday night, April 25 - in an incident that quickly turned into a homicide investigation in the 19000 block of 112th Ave NE, just west of Beardslee Blvd.
Just before 7:30pm, several calls came in to Bothell 911. Callers stated that a man had been stabbed. Our first officer at the scene arrived within moments of the first 911 calls. She immediately began life-saving procedures. Soon after, medics arrived at the scene.
Unfortunately, the 29-year-old-man's life could not be saved.
Additional Bothell Police officers arrived and were able to quickly locate the lone suspect and arrest him, without incident.
The 25 year old suspect remains in custody, and has been booked into the King County Jail. Bothell Police is not pursuing any other suspects.
Media inquiries can be made to PIO Cam Johnson at (206)794-8892 or cam.johnson@bothellwa.gov