Peter Fleck shares his experience of last night’s tragic shooting at Seward Market.
I heard a loud “bang.” It sounded like wood breaking but I thought it could be a gunshot. As I got to the street and looked toward Franklin, I saw someone exiting the Market. It didn’t feel right and I avoided the person thinking if that was a gunshot this was the shooter. I circled Bethany Lutheran Church and went through the parking lot to Franklin and walked back to Market. Two men were approaching me. They had heard the shots too. They reached the market before I did, crossed 25th and told me there were bodies in the doorway and store. I called 911 immediately to report a shooting and we walked to the Market entry. 911 dispatch started to ask if there was a robbery and I said “No! There are bodies here. Three bodies. We need an ambulance. ” Police and ambulance arrived shortly. (I’m not sure why I thought I only heard one shot.)
Also on the Seward Profile blog, an open letter to residents, from Seward community leaders.
Last night, our community was struck with tragedy. An integral business along Seward’s main street, Seward Market, was inflicted with exceptional and inexplicable acts of violence that ended in the murders of three people.
This violence is not indicative of our community and will not detract from our vibrant, diverse and welcoming neighborhood. In the wake of tragedy, our best response is to come together to further solidify our community’s foundation and extend our support to those most deeply connected to and affected by this loss.
Sincerely,
Sheldon Mains, on behalf of the Seward Neighborhood Group
Jim Welna, on behalf of the Seward Civic and Commerce Association
Katya Pilling, on behalf of Seward Redesign
Pastor Justin Lind-Ayers, on behalf of the Bethany Lutheran Church
Ward 2 Council Member Cam Gordon
There will be a candlelight/flashlight vigil tonight, January 7th at 7:45 p.m. outside of the Seward Market (2423 E Franklin Ave). Bethany Lutheran Church will open their doors for warming. A memorial fund has been established at Wells Fargo bank.
