A Seattle man has been formally charged in connection with a devastating triple homicide in Renton that left two women and a young child dead. King County prosecutors on July 23 charged 46-year-old Steve Vasquez with three counts of first-degree aggravated murder, including one count classified as aggravated domestic violence.
Victims Identified and Mourned
The incident occurred on July 19 and claimed the lives of Darcey Ann Moore, 46; her sister, Jamie Lee Ray, 39; and Moore’s 9-year-old daughter, referred to in court documents as A.M.G., and identified as Alexia in a public GoFundMe campaign.
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Moore and Ray died from multiple gunshot wounds, both ruled homicides. Although A.M.G.’s official cause of death has yet to be released, court records indicate that all three victims sustained two gunshot wounds each.
According to the GoFundMe page set up for funeral and family expenses, Moore leaves behind seven children and five grandchildren. Ray is remembered as a beloved sister, aunt, and friend. Young Alexia, described as a shy child who was just beginning to come into her own, is remembered for her love of dancing and making TikTok videos.
“She was just a young child that sadly was caught in the middle of a deadly situation… Her joy of life was taken far too soon,” the GoFundMe states.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Vasquez is currently being held at the King County Correctional Facility with bail set at $10 million. His arraignment is scheduled for August 6.
In court filings, King County Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Brent Kling highlighted the “brutality of the defendant’s conduct,” stating it demonstrates a threat to public safety. Kling also noted Vasquez’s prior failure to serve a single-day jail sentence for an unrelated offense, and his attempt to flee from the scene, as indicators that he may attempt to evade future court proceedings.
“He evaded arrest until located by police, and his failure to appear previously underscores the risk he poses if released under lesser conditions,” Kling stated.
The Day of the Tragedy
At around 7:36 p.m. on July 19, Renton police were called to reports of a shooting in the 1400 block of Hillcrest Lane NE. A neighbor reported hearing gunshots and expressed fear over a potential firearm situation. The suspected shooter, later identified as Vasquez, was described as a Hispanic male in his 40s wearing a red and black flannel shirt. He reportedly fled the scene on foot toward a nearby Safeway.
Upon arriving at the apartment, officers peered through a glass sliding door and saw two bodies—one adult and one child—lying on the floor with visible blood. Upon entry, they discovered a third female victim. All three were declared dead at the scene from apparent gunshot wounds to the head.
Eyewitness Account
A witness, described as a close friend of Moore and familiar with Vasquez, was present at the apartment on the day of the shootings. She reported that Vasquez had stayed over the night before and was present at the home throughout the day.
The witness recounted that just prior to the shootings, she and Jamie Ray were outside smoking when they heard a gunshot. Ray then entered the home, and moments later, the witness heard another gunshot and saw Ray collapse. As the witness rushed toward Ray, she saw Vasquez aim a firearm at young Alexia. Fearing for her life, the witness fled the scene but heard an additional gunshot shortly after.
Security Footage and Arrest
Investigators later recovered surveillance footage from the bedroom where Moore was found. Though the video had no audio, it showed Moore sitting on a bed at 6:33 p.m., appearing to converse with Vasquez. During the footage, Vasquez was seen handling what appeared to be a handgun, inserting a magazine, and manipulating the firearm. As the clip ended, Vasquez approached the camera and turned it away, cutting off the visual recording approximately 57 minutes before police arrived to discover the bodies.
Authorities used phone data to track Vasquez to a location in Burien, where he was arrested without incident.
A Community in Shock
The tragic loss of three lives—particularly that of a young child—has sent shockwaves through the Renton and greater Seattle communities. As family and friends grieve, the public awaits justice in what authorities describe as a calculated and brutal act.
This case marks one of the most disturbing domestic violence-related homicides in King County in recent memory. With the arraignment scheduled for August 6, community members are calling for swift justice while rallying around the surviving family members left to pick up the pieces.
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