Youngest of 3 brothers accused of 'Jungle' homeless shooting pleads not guilty to murder, assault



SEATTLE -- The youngest of three brothers accused of a deadly shooting at "The Jungle" homeless camp pleaded not guilty to murder and assault charges Friday.

He and his two brothers are accused of opening fire on a group of people at the homeless encampment south of downtown Seattle on Jan. 26 to settle a $500 drug debt owed to their mother. The two older brothers -- James Taafulisia, 17, and Jerome Taafulisia, 16 -- have been charged as adults.

The 13-year-old is being prosecuted in Juvenile Court, and he pleaded not guilty Friday to two counts of murder and three counts of assault.

Q13 News is not naming the youngest brother because he is being prosecuted as a juvenile.

The judge ordered the 13-year-old to have no contact with his mother, as she's a potential witness in the case.