Man shot, killed outside Calvary Lutheran Church in Federal Way

A 28-year-old suspect is in custody, police say.

A man was shot and killed outside of a Federal Way church on Friday morning, police say.

At about 6:45 a.m. Nov. 12, Federal Way patrol officers responded to a shooting at the Calvary Lutheran Church, located at 2415 S. 320th Street, according to Cmdr. Raymond Bunk of Federal Way Police.

The initial call reported a dispute with sounds of a possible gunshot, he said.

Through investigation, police determined a 45-year-old man, who police say was homeless and living on the property, was shot one time and later pronounced dead on scene.

At about 2:55 p.m. Friday afternoon, the suspect was taken into custody without incident, Bunk said. The suspect, a 28-year-old man, is currently being interviewed by detectives.

“Nobody lives on the property,” said Michael Ragan, Calvary Lutheran Church council president. “We have a problem with transients coming on to the property.”

On a daily basis, Ragan said, congregation members arrive at the church and clean up messes in the parking lot and door ways that have been left by people staying overnight. Signs are posted near the church which state overnight camping is not allowed, he said.

Detectives are continuing to investigate this incident to determine the facts and motive, though police say it does not appear to be a random shooting.

Anyone with additional information in this case should contact the Federal Way Police Department at 253-835-2121.