PULLMAN, WA — A Washington State University football player was shot at an off-campus party early Sunday morning following the Apple Cup game, and police have identified a University of Washington student as the suspect. An arrest warrant has been issued, though the suspect's attorney claims the shooting was an act of self-defense.
The victim, WSU redshirt freshman offensive lineman Sone Falealo, underwent surgery and is expected to make a full recovery. Pullman Police have identified the suspect as Jakori Buchanan, 20, a UW student.
The Confrontation
The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 21, at a party at the Aspen Heights Apartments. According to court documents, Falealo and two of his teammates, Jaylin Caldwell and Xavier Thorpe, were asked to act as security for the gathering.
The altercation reportedly began when Buchanan allegedly assaulted a woman at the party. Court records state he attempted to punch her in the face, missed, and struck her in the chest. When she punched him back, the three WSU football players intervened.
Falealo confronted Buchanan, at which point he was shot. He later told police he "didn't remember much after that."
A Claim of Self-Defense
While police are seeking Buchanan on charges of first- and fourth-degree assault, his attorney, Ronnie Rae, released a statement asserting the shooting was in self-defense. Rae claimed that Buchanan’s cousin, Marque Madden, was "severely injured" during the fight and that "Jakori intervened and saved his cousin’s life."
The attorney stated he is assisting with arrangements for Buchanan to turn himself in to authorities in Whitman County.
Investigation and University Response
After the shooting, Thorpe told officers he saw the suspect and his friends flee in a dark sedan. Police later identified the vehicle as a gray 2025 Hyundai Sonata rental car, which was located at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. As of Monday afternoon, Buchanan had not yet been taken into custody.
Washington State University confirmed the incident in a statement. "One of our student-athletes was the victim of a shooting that occurred at an off-campus gathering," said WSU spokeswoman Pam Scott. "The student is currently recovering and his family is with him in Pullman."
Falealo, an Alaska native, transferred to WSU from the University of Idaho this past offseason and has not yet played in a game this season.
