National
Alaska Native man loved dancing, rave scene


Justin Schwartz, 22, an Alaska Native man who was killed during a mass shooting early Saturday morning, was known for his love of dancing and the rave scene in Seattle.

Born in Bethel, Alaska, Schwartz was Eskimo. He was adopted at age 1 by a family in Seattle. He had a twin brother who was adopted by another family.

His adoptive mother, Debra Schwartz, said he called himself "Sushi" because he was often mistaken for Japanese. He attended Missouri Military Academy, served in the Navy and had been stationed in Japan, where he wanted to return.

Described as lively and uplifting, Justin Schwartz found acceptance among ravers in Seattle and on Myspace.com [Link to Profile]. He had attended a rave prior to being shot at an after-party where five other people, including a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old girl, were killed.

The gunman, 28-year-old Kyle Huff, killed himself after being confronted by police.

Get the Story:
Justin Schwartz remembered: "He was just a warm, energetic, fun-loving person" (The Seattle Times 3/28)

Related Stories:
Alaska Native man a victim in Seattle mass shooting (3/27)