Detectives seek 'well-intentioned good Samaritan' in murder case of Donnie Chin

SEATTLE -- Detectives are trying to find a witness who they say picked up some shell casings and brought them to officers, after a community leader was gunned down last week in Seattle's International District.

Donnie Chin is credited with patrolling and protecting the streets of the International District for decades.

Seattle police say officers were called to the neighborhood at 3 a.m. Thursday after a shooting was reported. Donnie Chin suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to Harborview Medical Center, where he later died.

Investigators say the man seemed well-intentioned, but now they want to speak with him. They are conducting a forensic analysis and want to remove the witness from the suspect pool, and they need to match his identity to fingerprints in order to do so.

The man was described as a 6' tall African-American with a thin build. At the time, he was wearing a white brimmed hat, glasses and a green argyle shirt. If you know this person, please call SPD Homicide Investigators at 206-684-5550.

A life of service

King County Executive Dow Constantine and others issued statements mourning the loss of Donnie Chin. Constantine called him a hero who dedicated himself "to protecting the vulnerable and frail."

The Asian Counseling and Referral Service said the community is grieving Chin's death. It said the respected community organizer watched over youth, seniors and others for 45 years.

Hundreds from the community gathered Sunday night in honor of Chin's life.

Chin directed the International District Emergency Center, a not-for-profit group that monitors the neighborhood.

Police do not believe the victim was the intended target of the shooting.