Murder victim's friends: 'This was a senseless, senseless thing'
SEATTLE - A man who was gunned down in his own car Friday night on 15th Avenue NE was remembered by stunned and grieving friends at an impromptu vigil near his home Saturday.
The victim, Yancy Noll, was a wine steward for the QFC grocery chain and was well-known in the wine community.
Now his friends are struggling to come to terms with his murder.
The shooting happened just before 7:30 p.m. Friday in the 7500 block of 15th Avenue NE.
When police arrived they found Noll sitting in the driver's seat of his maroon Subaru in the middle of the street. He had been shot several times. He was rushed to Harborview Medical Center, where he later died of his injuries.
According to police, a white male in his late 20s to 30s with dark hair pulled up next to Noll’s car in a smaller silver or gray BMW and for unknown reasons opened fire at him, hitting him several times.
A memorial is growing for Noll near his home, just blocks from where he was shot.
Michael Leonard was one of those who came to remember him Saturday night. Like Noll's other friends, he suddenly finds himself in the midst of a bizarre, inexplicable tragedy.
"We barbecue, we drink beer. We're Americans. ... We've never had to deal with this. I don't want people to deal with this," says Leonard. "This was a senseless, senseless thing."
Friends describe Noll as a good-hearted outdoorsman who had been planning a kayaking trip in the coming days. They can imagine no motive for killing him.
"He had a heart of gold. He really cared about people," says another friend, Laural Waters. "It just feels senseless, given who he was."
Seattle police have made no arrests.
Anyone with any information is asked to call 911 or the Seattle Police Homicide Tip Line at (206) 233-5000. Anonymous tips are welcome.
The victim, Yancy Noll, was a wine steward for the QFC grocery chain and was well-known in the wine community.
Now his friends are struggling to come to terms with his murder.
The shooting happened just before 7:30 p.m. Friday in the 7500 block of 15th Avenue NE.
When police arrived they found Noll sitting in the driver's seat of his maroon Subaru in the middle of the street. He had been shot several times. He was rushed to Harborview Medical Center, where he later died of his injuries.
According to police, a white male in his late 20s to 30s with dark hair pulled up next to Noll’s car in a smaller silver or gray BMW and for unknown reasons opened fire at him, hitting him several times.
A memorial is growing for Noll near his home, just blocks from where he was shot.
Michael Leonard was one of those who came to remember him Saturday night. Like Noll's other friends, he suddenly finds himself in the midst of a bizarre, inexplicable tragedy.
"We barbecue, we drink beer. We're Americans. ... We've never had to deal with this. I don't want people to deal with this," says Leonard. "This was a senseless, senseless thing."
Friends describe Noll as a good-hearted outdoorsman who had been planning a kayaking trip in the coming days. They can imagine no motive for killing him.
"He had a heart of gold. He really cared about people," says another friend, Laural Waters. "It just feels senseless, given who he was."
Seattle police have made no arrests.
Anyone with any information is asked to call 911 or the Seattle Police Homicide Tip Line at (206) 233-5000. Anonymous tips are welcome.
There are just so many quick-draw cowards out on the streets these day's. This man didn't deserve to be taken like that. RIP Yancy and may harsh justice be served on your killer.
wicked witch really...........dummy up .
SPD Blotter,
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http://spdblotter.seattle.gov/2012/08/31/homicide-in-maple-leaf/
@Citizen#3457899654 I love how it says "Detectives are encouraging the suspect to turn himself in."
If only all criminals listened to police requests.
The police blotter states this may have been a road rage act of violence. Suspect describe as white or Asian mail in late twenties and that there may be damage on the BMW. Keep an eye out.Â
Only if he was armed, he could have returned fire with his last dying breathe and maybe put a round into the Beamer guy.
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 @Wickedwitch What makes him "look like the type" involved in road rage??? The contented smile?? The outdoor picture? Seriously??????
Sadly it is probably road rage.Â
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Doubting mistaken identity because if you are trying to kill someone you make sure it's the right guy and it's not a gang initiation because they don't usually kill middle class white guys in middle class america and they don't usually drive newer bmw's
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it's probably some jerk wad who got his little bmw feelings  hurt because he was wronged on the road and he did this....
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Whatever the case hope they catch the scumbag
Sounds like some Homies were out to prove their manhood. Pisses me off.
 @JD Very possible.
"..Seattle police have made no arrests.."
I'm confident they will get their man, and I hope he is running scared shirtless
Boy - this guy sure doesn't sound like the type that would be out instigating trouble. Â I'm betting this is either a case of mistaken identity or road rage.
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I sure hope the guy who committed this senseless murder is caught.
All my sympathy to the friends and family of this gentleman. This is inexplicable and tragic. Perhaps road rage, mistaken identity, or just random violence - how horrible. I hope the monster is caught soon.
They gave a good description of the car in earlier reports. Someone please step forward with any information.
This is so profoundly sad.