Murder suspect apprehended by FBI in Kenya, extradited to Washington
Salman Haji and his alleged accomplice, Ilyiss Abdi, also aged 20, are facing charges of murder, robbery, and attempted robbery in connection with the death of 67-year-old Yuam Ming.
A 20-year-old murder suspect wanted in the United States over the fatal shooting of a woman outside a Costco store in Tukwila, Washington, has been arrested in Kenya and extradited to face trial.
The US Attorney’s Office in Seattle confirmed that the suspect, identified as Salman Haji, was apprehended in Kenya through a coordinated operation involving the FBI, Kenyan authorities, and Interpol.
More To Read
- Ex-DP Rigathi Gachagua launches DCP’s diaspora office in Seattle
- Interpol issues fresh warning over globalisation of online scam centres
- Shaped by his East African roots, new FBI director Kash Patel promises integrity and fairness
- Thirty-seven suspected terrorists arrested in East Africa, says Interpol
- Interpol launches new tool to track illicit wealth across borders
- Interpol arrests 24 Kenyans in major operation against credit card fraudsters
He was flown back to the US and is now being held at the King County Jail, with his bail set at Sh647.5 million (USD 5 million).
Salman and his alleged accomplice, Ilyiss Abdi, also aged 20, are facing charges of murder, robbery, and attempted robbery in connection with the death of 67-year-old Yuam Ming.
Court documents indicate that the incident occurred on January 26, 2024, when the two reportedly attempted to steal a purse from Ming’s sister as the women loaded groceries into their vehicle. During the struggle, Salman allegedly shot and killed Ming.
Investigators say Ilyiss acted as the getaway driver in the attack. He was reportedly behind the wheel of a Porsche SUV that had been violently carjacked from a woman earlier that same day in Seattle.
Police reports say the woman had been rear-ended by a Honda sedan in the Queen Anne neighbourhood before a man with a gun forced her out and drove off with her Porsche. The suspects fled in both vehicles.
Shortly after the carjacking, a Seattle police officer spotted two vehicles matching the descriptions speeding toward Interstate 5.
Moments later, Ming was killed in the parking lot of the Costco store. Surveillance footage, dashcam recordings, and police video captured the events leading up to and after the shooting.
Authorities say Salman fled the US five days after the murder, boarding a flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
His departure came shortly after a social media post identified him as a suspect in the shooting. A manhunt spanning several months followed, with US investigators working closely with Kenyan police and Interpol to locate and detain him.
Following his extradition, Salman is set to face trial in Washington State. Prosecutors allege the killing was premeditated and committed with “reckless disregard for human life.”
They say video evidence, eyewitness accounts, and forensic material will be central to their case.
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has confirmed that Salman’s next court date is yet to be scheduled. In addition to the state charges, he also faces a federal indictment linked to the carjacking incident.
Top Stories Today
