14-year-old niece shot, killed by uncle during fight over Michael Jordan shoes, family says

 

SEATTLE -- Seattle police detectives were searching Monday for a man suspected of shooting and killing his 14-year-old niece in what her family said was an argument over a pair of Michael Jordan sneakers.

The family is urging 24-year old Si Phu to turn himself in. They said they are in shock that he could be behind the shooting of his own niece.

The victim's family, who lives in a home in the 3500 block of South Brandon Street in Seattle's Columbia City neighborhood, is heartbroken now that 14-year-old Christy Phu is gone.

“She’s just a young kid,” said her other, uncle Sam Phu, who is also Si’s older brother. “She don’t have a problem with anybody.”

The family said it was an argument over Michael Jordan shoes that set him off. Sam Phu said Si Phu demanded the shoes from his niece so he could sell them, but she refused.

“She didn’t want to give him the shoes, and then he shot her,” said Sam Phu. “It’s just him. He’s an animal- no heart, no love for the people.”

Si Phu is no stranger to the law. Earlier this year, court documents show, Snohomish County prosecutors charged him with cyberstalking-domestic violence.  Investigators said he sent threatening text messages to an ex-girlfriend after a breakup.

With Phu still out there, neighbors like Antonio Duncan are worrying about their safety. He said he has young nephews and nieces in the area.

“Hopefully they catch him,” said Duncan. “You got to pay for what you do.”

As for the Phu family, they want the shooter to face justice -- even if that person is one of their own.

“I want him arrested right away now,” said Sam Phu.

Christy Phu was a freshman at Chief Sealth International High School. Her principal, Aida Fraser-Hammer, released a statement saying, “it is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I share the tragic news that one of our students was the victim of a fatal shooting.”