TUKWILA, Wash. — The family of Edward “Eki” Poloka held a vigil on Friday at the U.S. Postal Service distribution center in Tukwila, where investigators say Poloka was shot to death by a coworker on March 4.
Investigators say the gunman later died of a self-inflicted gunshot after being confronted by police in Seattle
“I’ve never stood in front of this many people, but I’m going to do it for my brother,” said Kilbella Poloka, the oldest of the victim’s six sisters. “He was my right hand in everything that I did.”
According to Tukwila police, there was a confrontation between the two employees prior to the suspect retrieving a gun.
In a previous statement, the USPS wrote, “During this sensitive time, our primary focus is on offering support to our employees. We are providing counseling and assistance to help them navigate through this experience.”
The facility’s manager offered condolences as he addressed the crowd at Friday’s vigil.
“When I would come and say hi, he always had that smile. A smile that would light up the whole dock. The energy he had would carry with him and to the whole team. He was a fantastic person,” said Len DeLeon. “We as the United States Postal Service are so proud to have benefited from his presence.”
Another Poloka sister struggled to find words as she thanked those in attendance before being comforted by her father.
