Shooting outside Harborview sparked by alleged child abuse

SEATTLE — A shooting that happened outside Harborview Medical Center Tuesday afternoon was allegedly sparked by child abuse.

Family members of 5-year-old Aaryuss Weston claim the child’s stepdad had shot the mother’s new boyfriend, the person whom the family believes hit Aaryuss, who died Tuesday evening from his injuries.

“My nephew wouldn’t have stated the things he said if they weren’t true and I’m going to ride with my nephew and the last words that he said,” a family member told KIRO7.

Family members whom KIRO 7 spoke with did not want to be identified, but said that Aaryuss was a bright child with a big heart.

“He was very attentive. Very loving. He just wanted love,” one family member said.

They hope that sharing what caused all of the chaos outside the hospital will bring justice for Aaryuss.

“You’re a monster. You deserve to sit under the jail cell. And not be amongst society,” one family member said.

Some family members tell KIRO 7 they aren’t happy that Child Protective Services never got involved.

“There has not been CPS reached out. There has not been no explanation as to why my nephew was still in the same custody of the situation, the situations that have been taking place,” one family member said.

Family members also claim that Aaryuss was denied treatment on a previous occasion when he was taken to Harborview Medical Center, as his legal guardian had not given consent for him to be treated. KIRO 7 reached out to Harborview for a response about the family’s claims and a spokesperson from the hospital sent out a statement that read: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Aaryuss Weston and are currently reviewing the concerns brought to our attention.”

“No answers have been answered. Justice has not been served and I’m here to get that justice for him,” a family member told KIRO 7.

Police say two men were arguing outside the hospital, before one of the men retrieved a gun from his car. The man then returned and opened fire, hitting the other man. Police are still looking for the shooter.

A previous version of this story indicated that the Seattle Police Department was investigating. It has been amended to reflect that SPD is not the investigating entity.

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