Man killed outside Federal Way 7-Eleven

From the Federal Way police:

At approximately 4:42 a.m. Aug. 2, officers were dispatched to the 7-Eleven store in the 31200 block of 1st Avenue South for a shots fired call. A 32-year-old male victim suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the neck.

The initial investigation indicates there were several witnesses at the location who are currently being interviewed by Federal Way police detectives. The suspect vehicle identified as a gray or silver two-door Honda Accord was occupied by three Hispanic males. The vehicle was later located abandoned in Federal Way. The vehicle has been impounded and processed by detectives, police spokeswoman Cathy Schrock said.

The police are not naming the victim, but said he had a criminal history.

"There have been questions about the victim," Schrock said. "We've had contact with him (prior to the incident)."

Police are still trying to determine exactly what happened and the relationship between the victim and suspects, Schrock said. The victim and three juveniles, two teens and one child around the age of 5, walked to the store, she said.

The suspects pulled up in a vehicle, and there was a verbal altercation between them and the victim, Schrock said. The victim ordered the children to go into the store. The altercation continued until one of the suspects shot the victim, Schrock said.

The suspects have not been identified, but leads are being pursued. Anyone with more information should call Det. Heather Castro: (253) 835-6883.