Quusaa Margarsa, 26, Nathan Hale Alumni, Shot Dead at The Growler Guys in Lake City Seattle; No Suspects, No Witnesses as Homicide Investigation Continues.

A Tragic Discovery in Lake City

SEATTLE, WA – Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Quusaa Margarsa , who was found dead inside his workplace at The Growler Guys in Lake City, Washington. The incident, discovered early in the morning by coworkers, has left the local community shocked as police search for answers in what is currently an unsolved homicide.

According to initial reports, Margarsa was found inside the restaurant by staff who arrived for work and immediately alerted emergency services. Responding officers confirmed that he had suffered fatal gunshot wounds. Authorities stated that, at this stage of the investigation, no suspects have been identified and no witnesses have come forward.

The Growler Guys, located in Seattle’s Lake City neighborhood, is a popular taproom and bottle shop known for its wide selection of craft beers and welcoming atmosphere. It is the kind of place where regulars know the staff by name, and where employees often become like family to one another. For Quusaa’s coworkers to discover his body upon arriving for their shift is a trauma that will linger for years.

Law enforcement officials have cordoned off the scene as forensic teams continue to collect evidence, including surveillance footage from the establishment and surrounding businesses. Detectives are working to establish a timeline of events leading up to the shooting but have not released information regarding a possible motive.

Victim Identified: Quusaa Margarsa, 26, “Q” to Friends

Quusaa Margarsa , often referred to by friends as “Q,” was a graduate of Nathan Hale High School in Seattle. Those who knew him describe him as a loyal, dependable, and kind individual who was deeply committed to supporting his friends and community. Former classmates and acquaintances have shared tributes online, recalling his positive attitude and willingness to show up for others during difficult times.

At just 26 years old, Quusaa had his entire life ahead of him. He was working at The Growler Guys, likely balancing work with other aspirations, friendships, and family connections. Those who knew him say he was the kind of person who made you feel seen—someone who remembered your name, asked about your day, and genuinely cared about the answer.

One former classmate from Nathan Hale High School wrote on social media: “Quusaa was one of the most solid people I’ve ever known. He was always smiling. Always positive. Always there when you needed him. I can’t believe he’s gone.”

Another friend posted: “Rest in peace, Q. You didn’t deserve this. None of us can believe it. Praying for your family.”

A third acquaintance commented: “He worked so hard. He was always trying to make something of himself. This just isn’t fair.”

The Growler Guys: A Workplace Turned Crime Scene

The Growler Guys in Lake City is a well-known establishment in the neighborhood. Located on Lake City Way, it attracts a mix of regulars, craft beer enthusiasts, and casual visitors. The business typically operates during daytime and evening hours, though the exact time of Quusaa’s discovery has not been publicly disclosed.

What is known is that coworkers arrived for work early in the morning and discovered Quusaa inside the premises. He had suffered fatal gunshot wounds. It is unclear whether the shooting occurred during business hours the previous night, during an overnight break-in, or at some other time. Police have not released an estimated time of death.

The fact that Quusaa was found inside his workplace suggests several possibilities:

· He may have been working a late shift and was attacked by a customer or intruder.
· He may have been closing up the night before and been confronted by someone.
· He may have been targeted specifically, either by someone who knew his schedule or by a random assailant.

Without witnesses or suspects, investigators are left to piece together the sequence of events from physical and digital evidence alone.

No Suspects, No Witnesses: A Challenging Investigation

Authorities have stated that, at this stage, no suspects have been identified and no witnesses have come forward. This makes the investigation particularly challenging. In most homicide cases, witnesses—whether they saw the shooting itself or heard something before or after—provide critical leads. In this case, police are working largely in the dark.

Law enforcement officials have cordoned off the scene as forensic teams continue to collect evidence, including surveillance footage from the establishment and surrounding businesses. Detectives are working to establish a timeline of events leading up to the shooting but have not released information regarding a possible motive.

The Seattle Police Department’s Homicide Unit is leading the investigation. They will likely focus on several key areas:

1. Surveillance footage : Cameras inside The Growler Guys, as well as those from neighboring businesses and street cameras, may have captured the shooter arriving, the shooting itself, or the shooter fleeing.
2. Forensic evidence : Shell casings, fingerprints, DNA, and gunshot residue will be processed at the crime lab.
3. Digital footprint : Quusaa’s phone records, social media activity, and text messages may reveal conflicts, threats, or communications leading up to his death.
4. Employee and customer interviews : Coworkers and regular customers may have information about Quusaa’s last hours, any unusual activity, or anyone who had a grudge against him.

Despite these efforts, without witnesses coming forward, the case could grow cold. Police are urging anyone with information to speak up.

Nathan Hale Alumni Community Mourns

News of Quusaa’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from both the Lake City area and the broader Nathan Hale High School alumni community. Many have expressed disbelief at the sudden loss of a young man remembered for his strong relationships and steady presence in the lives of those around him.

Nathan Hale High School, located in Seattle’s Northeast neighborhood, has produced generations of graduates who have gone on to careers in every field. The alumni network is close-knit, and news of a former student’s violent death travels fast.

One former classmate wrote: “I can still picture Quusaa in the hallways at Hale. He was always laughing. Always had a crew around him. He was loved. This is devastating.”

Another posted: “We lost a Raider today. Quusaa Margarsa. Keep his family in your prayers. This one hurts.”

The school itself has not yet released an official statement, but counselors are likely available for current students and staff who may have known Quusaa or been impacted by the news of his death.

A Kind and Dependable Soul

Those who knew Quusaa describe him as a loyal, dependable, and kind individual who was deeply committed to supporting his friends and community. Former classmates and acquaintances have shared tributes online, recalling his positive attitude and willingness to show up for others during difficult times.

He was the kind of friend who would give you his last dollar if you needed it. The kind who would drive across town to help you jump-start your car. The kind who would sit with you in silence if that’s what you needed, or make you laugh if that’s what you needed instead.

One close friend shared: “Q was the realest. He didn’t pretend to be something he wasn’t. He was just… good. Genuinely good. I don’t know how else to say it. He made everyone around him better.”

Another added: “He worked so hard. He was always grinding, always trying to build something for himself. He didn’t deserve this. Nobody deserves this.”

The Lake City Community Responds

The Lake City neighborhood, where The Growler Guys is located, is a diverse, working-class area of Seattle. It has seen its share of crime over the years, but a homicide inside a local business is unusual and deeply unsettling.

Residents have expressed shock and fear in the wake of the shooting. Some are avoiding the area altogether. Others have left flowers and notes near the crime scene, which remains cordoned off as the investigation continues.

One local business owner said: “This is a family neighborhood. People come here to eat, to drink, to shop. To have something like this happen — it’s scary. My heart goes out to Quusaa’s family and to the people who worked with him.”

Another Lake City resident added: “I used to go to The Growler Guys all the time. The staff were always so friendly. I can’t imagine walking in there now, knowing what happened.”

Police Urge Public to Come Forward

Police have urged anyone with information related to the incident to come forward, emphasizing that even small details could be critical to the investigation. At this time, investigators are treating the case as a priority homicide inquiry.

Detectives are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who:

· Was in the area of The Growler Guys late the night before the discovery or early that morning
· Saw or heard anything unusual — arguments, gunshots, people running, suspicious vehicles
· Has information about Quusaa’s activities in the hours before his death
· Has heard rumors or has knowledge of any conflicts Quusaa may have been involved in

Tips can be submitted through the following channels:

· Seattle Police Department Homicide Unit: (206) 684-5550
· Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
· Online: Tips can be submitted via the Crime Stoppers website or mobile app

Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest, and tipsters may remain completely anonymous. Police have emphasized that no piece of information is too small — even something that seems insignificant could be the key to solving the case.

A Family’s Unimaginable Grief

For the family of Quusaa Margarsa , the days ahead will be filled with funeral arrangements, notifications, and the slow, painful process of adjusting to life without their beloved son, brother, or relative. The sudden and violent nature of his death makes the grief even more acute.

A family member, speaking anonymously, said: “Quusaa was loved. He was so loved. We are devastated. Please respect our privacy as we grieve. And please — if anyone knows anything — come forward. We need answers.”

The family has not yet released information about funeral or memorial services. Given the ongoing investigation, Quusaa’s body may not be released to the family for several days.

A Call for Justice

As the community mourns, messages of sympathy continue to circulate for Margarsa’s family, friends, and coworkers. His death has left a significant impact on those who knew him, with many calling for justice and answers as the investigation continues.

One friend wrote: “We’re not going to let Q be forgotten. We’re going to find out who did this. We’re going to get justice for him. That’s a promise.”

Another added: “If you know something, say something. Don’t let fear protect a killer. Quusaa’s family deserves peace. And Quusaa deserves justice.”

Rest in Peace, Quusaa Margarsa

Rest in peace, Quusaa Margarsa. You were only 26 years old. You were a Nathan Hale graduate. You were a hard worker. You were a loyal friend. You were a kind soul. And you did not deserve to die inside your workplace, alone in the early morning hours.

The Seattle Police Department continues to investigate. No suspects are in custody. No witnesses have come forward. But the community is watching, and the community is grieving.

If you know something, please speak up. Call Crime Stoppers. Call the Seattle Police Homicide Unit. Send an anonymous tip online. Do it for Quusaa. Do it for his family. Do it for justice.