Prosecutors say the 15-year-old suspect fired at a rival and killed Nyeruon Deng Biel.
KENT, Wash. — A 15-year-old boy has been charged with first-degree murder after prosecutors said he opened fire June 3 near Alder Lane and killed 16-year-old Nyeruon Deng Biel in an apartment parking lot.
The boy, who has not been named because he is a juvenile, also faces four counts of first-degree assault. King County prosecutors say he fired toward a group of teens while trying to shoot a rival gang member. Biel was struck in the torso and died at the scene, according to charging documents and the King County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The shooting happened about 4:21 a.m. near the Aliso Apartments at 411 Alder Lane. Police said several teens had gathered near Maple Lane and Alder Lane before gunfire broke out. Officers found Biel in the parking lot and tried life-saving aid before medics arrived. “It’s really the seriousness of the allegations,” King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office spokesperson Casey McNerthney said, explaining why prosecutors are seeking adult court review.
Charging papers say a red Ford Fusion pulled into the apartment lot shortly before the shooting. A Tesla then stopped on Alder Lane, and witnesses heard several shots. Investigators later reviewed surveillance video that recorded the sound of about eight gunshots. Detectives found four 9mm casings near the Green River Trail and said thick foliage may have hidden other casings.
Police arrested the boy June 18 at Taylor Creek Apartments in Seattle while conducting surveillance. Detectives said he had a loaded Glock Model 30 with a 26-round extended magazine and a Glock switch in his waistband. Prosecutors filed separate charges for unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of a machine gun part.
Court records show the boy had prior convictions tied to assault, unlawful firearm possession and reckless endangerment. KOMO reported he had been out of custody and was the subject of an active warrant for violating juvenile parole conditions when the Kent shooting happened. Prosecutors are asking a judge to move the murder case from juvenile court to adult court.
McNerthney said Washington law sends first-degree murder cases involving 16- and 17-year-olds directly to adult court, but cases involving 15-year-olds require a judge’s decision. The court held an initial hearing June 25. A status conference is set for Aug. 4, and a decline hearing is scheduled for Sept. 14.
At the apartment complex, neighbors described a growing memorial with flowers, candles and cards. “It was really hard to see,” resident Avrey Tuttle said. She said friends had stopped by to remember Biel and show respect at the place where she died.
The teen remains in custody at the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center in Seattle. His next court date is Aug. 4.
Author note: Last updated Friday, June 26, 2026.