Seattle – A 50-year-old man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for possessing firearms while distributing drugs and violating conditions of his supervision from previous convictions. U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman announced the sentencing of Ruchell Gilbert, who was involved in a gun battle on Seattle’s Capitol Hill that resulted in the death of a woman.
At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez remarked, “A young woman died that night from a gun battle on Capitol Hill. That is exactly the kind of danger that occurs when you have people dealing drugs while armed with firearms.”
U.S. Attorney Gorman stated, “This case is a stark reminder of why it is illegal for felons to possess firearms.” She added that Gilbert's actions had tragic consequences, resulting in the death of 20-year-old Essence Greene Madden, whose loss has deeply affected her family and community.
According to court records, Gilbert began his supervised release on May 30, 2022. In July 2023, he became involved in an altercation during a street racing event on Capitol Hill, which escalated into a shoot-out captured on surveillance video. One shot hit bystander Essence Greene Madden, who later died at Harborview Medical Center.
Gilbert fled the scene but was later treated at Harborview Medical Center for a gunshot wound. Federal probation officers obtained a warrant for his arrest after learning about his involvement in the incident. A search of Gilbert’s vehicle revealed methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, cocaine, marijuana, and a loaded firearm; however, the weapon used in the shoot-out was not recovered.
On March 14, 2024, Gilbert pleaded guilty to possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
In court today, Essence Greene Madden’s father expressed how Gilbert's decision impacted their lives: “The decision that Mr. Gilbert made changed the lives of our family, friends, and community…. My child did not deserve to die in the manner that she died.”
Prosecutors requested a sentence reflecting Gilbert’s history of violent crimes and disregard for legal supervision. They noted he continued drug dealings and firearm possession despite appearing compliant under supervision.
Judge Martinez also imposed five years of supervised release following Gilbert’s prison term.
The Seattle Police Department and U.S. Probation Office conducted the investigation leading to this conviction. Assistant United States Attorney Vince Lombardi prosecuted the case.
