SEATTLE — The man accused of chasing down and killing an alleged car thief in Seattle last year pleaded not guilty in court Thursday.
Aaron Javan Mitchell, 45, was arrested last month and charged with first-degree murder after Seattle police tracked him down at his girlfriend’s home in Federal Way.
According to police, on Oct. 7, 2022, Mitchell chased down and shot two suspected car thieves. Joshua Blackwood, 27, was shot and killed. Another 53-year-old man was shot and survived.
Prosecutors said Mitchell took “extraordinary steps” to evade capture, including torching a car and abandoning his apartment.
Mitchell is being held on $3 million bond. Should he post bail, he will need to be placed on electronic home monitoring and is not allowed to make contact with the 53-year-old victim. He would also not be allowed to possess a gun or other dangerous weapon.
Mitchell is expected back in court May 25 for the start of his trial.