Seattle's alarming rise in homicides in 2023 has reached a record high, with over 70 lives lost, reflecting a significant escalation in gun violence since the COVID pandemic. This article focuses on the experiences of Capitol Hill and the Central District, highlighting the memorial for Nakawa Beasley, a victim of a drive-by shooting, and the tragic cases of brothers Ray and TT Wilford. Local community groups, such as the Cal Anderson Park Alliance, are advocating for changes in areas plagued by violence, like Nagle Place, which has become synonymous with drug markets. The narrative also includes the devastating impact of violence on young lives, such as Essence Greene, a 20-year-old shot during a street racing incident, and Elijah Lewis, a 23-year-old victim of road rage. With only a fraction of these cases resulting in arrests, the article emphasizes the urgent need for community action and policy changes to address the underlying issues of crime.

It paints a poignant picture of a community grappling with loss and calls for urgent solutions. The data illustrates a troubling trend that demands attention from local authorities and residents alike.