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Sadness, memories surround anniversary of Café Racer shooting rampage

SEATTLE — Friends, family and the public will gather Thursday night to remember the five victims of shooting rampage that occurred in Seattle a year ago.

Memorials had already appeared Thursday morning at Cafe Racer, which is closed for the day out of respect for the victims.

Flowers and candles have been placed at the front entrance, and a message in chalk says “Sing Me a Song of Happiness.”

Inside the café, memorabilia and pictures line the walls.

Ian Stawicki first fatally shot four people at Cafe Racer in North Seattle just before 11 a.m. on May 30, 2012.

About a half hour later, he carjacked and killed a woman on First Hill, outside Town Hall.

Her stolen SUV was soon found abandoned in West Seattle near Delridge.

Nearly four hours later, Stawicki killed himself as police closed in to arrest him West Seattle.

Stawicki was a frequent and unwanted customer at Cafe Racer who had run-ins with employees in the days before the shooting.

Stawicki's father told KIRO 7 that his son was mentally ill, and records show at the time of the rampage, he held permits for six handguns.

The five people who were killed by Stawicki were musicians Drew Kariakedes and Joe Albanes. Kariakedes' band played regularly at Cafe Racer.  Donald Largen and 37-year-old Kim Layfield were also killed.

Gloria Leonidas was murdered on First Hill. The Bellevue woman was a wife and mother of two.  See photos of the victims here.

On Thursday, workers and people close to the Cafe Racer community have a private remembrance planned.

Afterward, a public event with live music will be held at Café Racer at 8 p.m.

Gunman, 5 others dead after 2 Seattle shootings (May 30, 2012)

Find more past stories, photos and videos on the rampage here.