Music promoter, 26, killed in Central Area shooting

A 26-year-old music promoter died after being shot several times on a Central Area street early today, about 40 minutes after he and his business partners had hosted a successful President's Day party at the Crimson C nightclub in Seattle.

Family members identified the victim as Tyrone Love.

"Nobody can understand this," said Jamar Jones, one of Love's business partners in Vibrant Entertainment 206.

According to an eyewitness, Love was walking alone in the 2600 block of East Cherry Street just before 2 a.m. when a man pulled up in a car, jumped out, ran toward Love and shot him several times. The witness said she couldn't describe the shooter because he was wearing an oversized hoodie.

The suspect ran back to his car and sped off, according to the witness, who did not want to be named.

Police found Love lying on the sidewalk and "unresponsive," according to Seattle Police Department spokesman Jeff Kappel. Attempts by police and medics to save him were unsuccessful, and he died at the scene, Kappel said.

The witness said the shooting did not appear to be random.

She said the suspect had driven around the block several times before Love walked by.

"Whoever it was, they were looking for him 'cause they circled the block twice before he [the victim] come up," the witness said. "He was by himself, and he was caught off-guard."

Love's friends and relatives gathered at his home about a half-mile from the shooting scene.

His older brother, Chris Epps, said Love was a "good, clean kid" who volunteered at a number of community programs, including the YMCA and the Community Day School Association near their childhood home.

Jones, Love's business partner, said he saw his friend about an hour before the shooting when their company, Vibrant Entertainment 206, hosted the President's Day Red & Black Affair at the Crimson C nightclub at 209 1st Ave. S. He said the party went well and he wasn't aware of any problems that could have sparked the shooting.

Jones said those who knew Love were having a hard time understanding what happened.

He said Love was not involved with gangs or drugs and had never been arrested. The victim was a "great people person who never caused no drama himself," Jones said. Police said homicide detectives are investigating the shooting.

They did not release a description of the suspect.

Christine Clarridge: 206-464-8983 or cclarridge@seattletimes.com