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Shooting victim's family not satisfied with guilty verdict
A "career criminal" has been sentenced to five years in prison for a deadly Capitol Hill shooting after last year's Block Party.
SEATTLE - A federal judge has sentenced Ruchell Gilbert, who prosecutors describe as a "career criminal," to 16 years in prison for drug and firearm offenses for his role in the deadly Capitol Hill shootout after the 2023 Block Party.
Prosecutors painted Gilbert as a man who gave the illusion of rehabilitation while continuing his criminal activities. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincent Lombardi, who previously prosecuted Gilbert a decade ago, described him as a repeat offender who was on supervised release at the time of the shooting.
"It appears to us that his doing well was an act," Lombardi said. "In reality, he went right back to what got him arrested the first time: dealing large amounts of drugs while armed."
Gilbert’s supervised release had required him to abstain from drugs and firearms, yet authorities found significant quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and a firearm in his possession when they arrested him.
However, the family of Essence Greene Madden, a 20-year-old woman killed during a Capitol Hill shooting linked to Gilbert, is still waiting for him to be charged in her death.
"We don’t see where there’s going to be a change, and we are happy with the court’s decision; they gave him the max for 16 years," said Essence’s mother, Tina Greene Madden.
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Essence was attending the Capitol Hill Block Party last year when a chaotic street-racing event broke out nearby. As tensions escalated, gunfire erupted, and Essence was struck by a stray bullet. Despite efforts to save her, she died as a result of her injuries at Harborview Medical Center.
"It’s just tough during the holidays for us," Tina said. "Our daughter was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire."
The Greene Madden family is no stranger to Gilbert. Eldon Madden, Essence's father, says Gilbert's son was her favorite cousin. The Madden's say Gilbert lost his own daughter to gunfire years earlier.
"He lost his daughter in the same way. Why would you take another family through what you suffered through?" Tina said.
While Gilbert’s federal conviction earned him 16 years in prison, he has not been charged in Essence’s death. Lombardi explained that federal prosecutors typically don’t handle violent crimes unless tied to other federal charges. The case, therefore, falls under the jurisdiction of King County prosecutors.
King County Prosecutors say the case has not been referred to them by the Seattle Police Department.
"You can’t ignore the fact that my daughter lost her life that night," said Tina. "That can’t be ignored."
The Greene Madden family continues to seek justice and closure. They are urging local prosecutors to hold Gilbert accountable for Essence’s death.
"Our laws have to change," Tina said. "Gun violence has to stop. No family should go through what we’re experiencing."
The family has also filed a lawsuit against the Capitol Hill Block Party organizers, alleging inadequate security contributed to the unsafe environment.
Gilbert’s federal sentence includes five years of supervised release after his prison term. Prosecutors noted he’ll likely serve slightly less than 16 years with good behavior.
"Our daughter’s life was cut short over something so senseless," Tina said. "Her memory deserves justice."
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