Edmonds, WA – A Washington state man has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison for murdering an Uber driver who nearly hit him with a car and then stopped to apologize.
23-year-old Alex Waggoner was convicted Wednesday of second-degree murder in the death of 31-year-old Abdikadir Gedi Shariiff. Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Richard Okrent handed Waggoner a 19-year, 7-month sentence.
The Incident
Authorities reported that on January 3, 2024, Waggoner had been drinking in Edmonds, WA, and was walking to a liquor store. While crossing the street, he was nearly hit by Shariiff’s car. Shariiff, working for Uber, circled back and rolled down his window to apologize for the near collision.
Instead of accepting the apology, Waggoner allegedly drew a gun and fired 11 bullets into Shariiff, killing him instantly.
Judge Okrent condemned Waggoner’s actions:
“Very few people in that situation would pull out their gun and empty 11 bullets into a man.”
Prosecutors emphasized that Shariiff had made a minor mistake and was simply trying to apologize:
“Not one of which is out of the ordinary or which puts anyone’s life at risk, except, apparently his own…Mr. Shariiff did what we would hope any upstanding citizen would do.”
Defense Claims and Judicial Rejection
Waggoner’s attorney argued that his client had been influenced by YouTube videos on self-defense and the Second Amendment, claiming this shaped his actions:
“One would say it was a self-fulfilling prophecy.”
The judge rejected this argument, noting:
“There are lots of videos on gun safety, lots of videos on protecting yourself. Not one video says take out your gun and shoot somebody in the dark when somebody is trying to apologize to you for a mistake.”
Victim’s Family Reacts
Waggoner apologized to Shariiff’s family during sentencing, but they refused to accept it. Laila Hassan, Shariiff’s cousin, described the loss:
“January 3rd was a life-changing day we will never forget. One less person at our dinner table, one less person standing beside his brother at prayer. His absence is felt.”
Authorities stressed that Shariiff’s death was entirely preventable and that his intent to apologize demonstrates the victim’s goodwill.
Key Takeaways
- Victim: Abdikadir Gedi Shariiff, 31
- Perpetrator: Alex Waggoner, 23
- Location: Edmonds, Washington
- Charge: Second-degree murder
- Sentence: 19 years, 7 months
- Circumstances: Shooting occurred after victim tried to apologize for minor accident
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