U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman | U.S. Department of Justice
A 38-year-old member of the Tulalip Tribes pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to voluntary manslaughter and using a firearm in a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Abdul Qasim Ray Zahir admitted that he shot and killed a friend who had been helping him work on a car in a detached garage at his home on the Tulalip reservation. Zahir stated he shot the victim amid a sudden quarrel over noise from the auto work.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Zahir can request a sentence of no less than ten years in prison, while prosecutors can ask for no more than 18 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez scheduled sentencing for November 1, 2024.
According to the plea agreement, on May 28, 2022, the victim, Zahir, and others were in the detached garage when Zahir’s cousin complained about the noise the victim was making. The victim and cousin argued, and as the victim walked towards Zahir’s cousin, Zahir pulled out a gun and fired three shots, killing the victim.
At the time of the shooting, Zahir faced charges in King County Superior Court for attempted robbery, illegal possession of a firearm, and possession of a stolen vehicle. Under the plea agreement terms, Zahir will plead guilty to those charges with state prosecutors recommending that his state court sentence run concurrent to his federal custody sentence.
Voluntary manslaughter is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Using a firearm in a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and up to life imprisonment.
Judge Martinez will determine the actual sentence after considering sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. The judge is not bound by defense or prosecution recommendations and can impose any legally allowed sentence.
The case was investigated by the FBI and Tulalip Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney J. Tate London is prosecuting this case. Mr. London serves as Tribal Liaison for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Washington.
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