A tragic incident occurred in Seattle when a 35-year-old man, Dion Lamont Montgomery, shot his 9-month-old son in the head while under the influence of a hallucinogenic drug. Montgomery, who faces first-degree murder charges, fired four to five shots at two people before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, the bystanders were unharmed, but the boy’s mother discovered her child had been killed after hearing a gunshot and finding a gun in Montgomery’s possession. Montgomery admitted to smoking PCP, also known as “angel dust,” before the shooting, attributing his actions to “demons.”
The mother revealed that she and Montgomery had smoked marijuana on the day of the shooting, but she was unaware of his consumption of a hallucinogenic drug. She also mentioned a previous incident where Montgomery had attempted to harm her, prompting her to stay away from him when he displayed concerning behavior. Montgomery, who has a history of run-ins with the law, was arrested multiple times on charges including theft, assault, and burglary. Despite not appearing in court the day after his arrest, he was represented by a defense attorney and given a bail of $5 million.
The Seattle Police Department responded to a report of a shooting at the scene where witnesses reported the events that led to Montgomery’s arrest. The boy’s mother informed authorities of the tragic incident, stating that she heard a gunshot while in the bathroom and found the gun in Montgomery’s possession. Montgomery left the home shortly after, leaving his wife to discover their son’s lifeless body. His wife also mentioned that Montgomery made reference to the noise being “a blank” before fleeing the scene, reflecting the disturbing nature of the events that unfolded.
Montgomery’s admission to smoking PCP before the shooting sheds light on the potential influence of substance abuse on his actions. The hallucinogenic nature of PCP, known for its dissociative effects, may have contributed to Montgomery’s behavior and his attribution of his actions to “demons.” The mother’s account of staying away from Montgomery when he exhibited concerning behavior highlights the importance of recognizing warning signs and taking precautions in situations involving substance use and mental health issues. The tragic consequences of Montgomery’s actions serve as a poignant reminder of the destructive impact of substance abuse on individuals and their loved ones.
The legal repercussions of Montgomery’s actions are reflected in the charges brought against him and the bail set during the judicial process. Despite his history of criminal charges, Montgomery was represented by a defense attorney during the court proceedings following his arrest. The tragic loss of his 9-month-old son, coupled with the distressing circumstances surrounding the shooting, underscore the urgent need for resources and support for individuals struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. The provision of helplines such as the SAMHSA National Helpline serves as a valuable resource for those in need of assistance, reflecting the importance of addressing these complex and challenging issues within our communities.
