Suspected Tukwila, WA Costco killer appears in court

Murder suspect pleads not guilty in court

A man accused of murder in a Tukwila Costco parking lot pleaded not guilty in court as the victim's daughter spoke, requesting the suspect's face not be hidden from the public. Salman Haji, who was captured in Kenya more than a year after the crime, faces first-degree murder and other charges.

TUKWILA, Wash. - A man accused of shooting and killing a woman in the Tukwila Costco parking lot last year has pleaded not guilty.

The backstory:

Investigators say 20-year-old Salman Haji was captured on surveillance video with his codefendant, Ilyiss Abdi, walking into a QFC on January 26, 2024. Less than an hour later, they are accused of going to the Tukwila Costco parking lot.

There, investigators say Haji and Abdi approached two sisters loading groceries. The suspects allegedly robbed them, beating one sister before shooting and killing the other, Mingyuan Huang.

Days after the shooting, investigators say Haji boarded a flight to Kenya, and wasn't found until more than a year later.

Haji was eventually captured in Kenya thanks to an investigation between the FBI, Tukwila Police Department and the government of Kenya.

In court, the defense asked the judge to not allow the public to see Haji's face, but the victim's daughter did not hold back her emotions, saying she wants everyone to see the suspect's face.

"My mother was murdered in the public by this guy, and he should not be shielded from the public now. He is a male adult, he is not a kid. I have the right to see the murderer of my mother and so does the public. That's what I require. I am trying very hard to keep myself steady at this point. But at least what I have to get is to see him. He should be brought out now and I have to see him," said Zoe, daughter of Mingyuan Huang.

Haji is facing first-degree murder and attempted robbery, among other charges in the case. His bail was set at $5 million, with his next court date scheduled for September 22.

The other suspect, Abdi, is also facing first-degree murder charges and is expected back in court on August 25.

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