Suspect in early morning shooting was wanted for first-degree murder

Posted

 

Officials have identified the suspect who reportedly opened fire near the Hood Canal Bridge before taking his life during the early morning hours of July 24.

According to a press release from Washington State Patrol Public Information Officer Chelsea Hodgson, the suspect was Krishna Mahadevan-Prasad, 20, of New Jersey.

Hodgson told The Leader just before 4 a.m. Tuesday, emergency crews were dispatched to the west end of the Hood Canal Bridge after it was reported shots were fired.

She said three vehicles were waiting to cross the bridge, which was closed for construction.

While waiting, Mahadevan-Prasad reportedly began opening fire on a Ford SUV in front of him. The man then turned and opened fire on a Dodge Caravan behind him.

Hodgson said the occupants in the Ford were 5- and 6-year-old siblings with their father. The two children were asleep and reclined, causing them to miss bullets entering the vehicle. The father was leaning into the passenger seat looking at a map, resulting in him missing a bullet that went through his headrest and out the windshield.

A man in the Dodge was grazed by a bullet in the elbow, but was checked and released at the scene.

“After firing at both vehicles, Mahadevan-Prasad appeared to have suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” the release stated. “The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office is planning to conduct an autopsy Wednesday.”

Mahadevan-Prasad was wanted by the Renton Police Department as a suspect in the murder of a 38-year-old Bellevue woman who was found dead in a Renton motel.

“Due to the nature of the crime, the Renton Police Department is seeking public assistance learning about Mahadevan-Prasad’s activities the days leading up to the murder,” the release stated.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Renton Police Department at 425-430-7573.