74-year-old man shot by stray bullet dies

A 74-year-old man shot early Thursday after a bullet went through the wall of his house and struck him in the head while he slept has died.

Police were called to numerous reports of gunshots near South 128th Street and 26th Avenue South at about midnight.

One caller in the 12800 block of 26th Avenue South said their house had been struck multiple times by bullets.

When deputies arrived, they found shell casings on the ground in front of the house and bullet holes in the walls and a vehicle parked at the home.  No one was hurt at the house.

Within minutes, police received another 911 call from the next door neighbor’s house saying a man had been shot in the head.

Deputies ran to the house and found a 74-year-old man in bed with a gunshot wound to the head.  Police believe a stray round from the shots next door went through the wall of his house and struck him as he slept.

Medics arrived and transported the man to Harborview in critical condition.

A Harborview Medical Center spokeswoman said the victim died at about 6 a.m.

Detectives do not yet have a motive for the shooting.

Deputies said one person was seen walking away from the scene but they don't know if there is more than one suspect.

Cox Media Group