PULLMAN, Wash. — A University of Washington student accused of shooting a Washington State University football player is now in custody in King County, with his attorney releasing video footage that they claims shows the shooting acted in self-defense.
Pullman Police say Jakori Buchanan, 20, shot WSU Cougars offensive lineman Sone Falealo in the stomach early Sunday morning during an altercation at a party in Pullman. Falealo underwent surgery to remove the bullet and is now recovering at home.
The incident began when Falealo claims he was helping a woman who had been assaulted by Buchanan, according to police reports. Newly released video by tbuchanan’s attorney shows the shooting.
The video, which does not show the minutes leading up to the shooting, captures an argument on a porch where a woman swings at a man in a white shirt, identified by Buchanan’s attorney as Buchanan’s cousin. A group of men then becomes involved, including Falealo.
The footage shows Falealo taking the man believed to be Buchanan’s cousin to the ground. Moments later, Buchanan retrieves a gun and shoots Falealo in the side.
“These weren’t two kids going to cause problems in Pullman. They went to watch football,” said Ronnie Rae, Buchanan’s attorney.
Rae claims Buchanan’s cousin suffered a collapsed lung from the altercation. The cousin’s mother, Gia Kennebrew, spoke about his condition.
“He’s trying to get better, we are waiting on some more x-rays,” Kennebrew said. “They tried to really hard my son if they would’ve hit him anymore they would’ve killed him.”
When asked about why Buchanan had a gun and whether it belonged to him, Buchanan’s attorney could not provide those answers.
According to the police report, Falealo told officers he was at the party to work security.
Pullman police continue investigating the incident and are conducting interviews with witnesses.
Buchanan remains in King County custody as the investigation proceeds.
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