FEDERAL WAY, Wash. – Six months after the tragic killing of 21-year-old Hamze Elmi, his family is still waiting for answers. With no arrests made, they are now hoping that an $11,000 reward from Crime Stoppers will encourage someone with information to come forward.
A Family’s Loss
For Hamze’s sister, Hanna Elmi, the pain is still raw. Speaking publicly for the first time, she described her brother not just as a victim, but as the center of their family.
“My brother Hamze wasn’t just the headline. He was my best friend, my protector, and the heart of our family,” Hanna said. “On February 1, that was taken from us in a senseless act of violence.”
The Night of the Shooting
Hanna recounted the harrowing night of the murder. She was at home when she heard the gunshots outside. Moments later, she realized it was her brother who had been targeted.
“I watched my brother take his last breath in front of me,” she said.
According to the family, Hamze was returning home from work when he was ambushed. A masked individual in a ski mask approached him and fired seven shots to his chest as he tried to get inside their home.
“I was so shocked, I froze. I called 911. I couldn’t believe what I was looking at—my brother bleeding to death in front of me and bullets coming through,” Hanna said.
The family later shared doorbell camera footage showing the moments surrounding the shooting, hoping it might trigger memories or tips from those who saw something that night.
Searching for Justice
Despite months of investigation, Federal Way Police have not identified a suspect or motive. The lack of progress has left Hamze’s loved ones desperate for answers.
“Hamze deserves justice,” Hanna said firmly.
The family believes the Crime Stoppers reward—now raised to $11,000— could be the key to unlocking new leads. They are urging anyone with knowledge of the case to step forward.
Community Call for Help
Authorities emphasize that even the smallest detail could make a difference. Witness accounts, anonymous tips, or information about suspicious activity in the area that night may help investigators track down Hamze’s killer.
What you can do:
If you know anything about this case, you are asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.
Conclusion
For Hamze Elmi’s family, six months without justice has only deepened the grief of losing a young man they describe as full of life, love, and promise.
They hope the increased reward will bring someone forward, ending their painful wait and ensuring that the person responsible for Hamze’s murder is finally held accountable.
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