Family members and friends of Quusaa “Q” Margarsa gathered in a Seattle courtroom this week as the man accused of killing the Growler Guys employee formally entered a plea in the case.
Lucas Logan pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder during his arraignment hearing. A judge ordered that his bail remain set at $2 million.
The case has drawn attention across the Seattle community following the death of Margarsa, who was found outside the Growler Guys taproom along Lake City Way NE earlier this month.
Hearing
The courtroom gallery was filled with relatives, friends, and supporters of Margarsa’s family, many of whom traveled from outside Washington and even overseas to attend the hearing.
Several family members appeared emotional during the proceedings as they listened to details connected to the investigation.
Among those present was Margarsa’s brother, Badhas Margarsa, who spoke publicly about the impact the loss has had on their family.
“My other half is lost,” he said outside court.
According to family members, support from relatives and the broader community has helped Margarsa’s mother cope with the tragedy in recent weeks.
Investigation
Seattle police responded to the Growler Guys location on May 9 after an employee discovered Margarsa dead while opening the business.
Investigators later arrested Logan on May 11 in connection with the killing.
Court documents state that investigators reviewed surveillance footage from inside the taproom showing Margarsa with Logan and another woman during the early morning hours before the shooting.
According to prosecutors, the three individuals met earlier at an after-hours hookah lounge before arriving at the taproom around 5:30 a.m.
Investigators wrote in probable cause documents that the group appeared to be socializing, drinking, and possibly using narcotics while inside the business.
| Case Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Quusaa “Q” Margarsa |
| Suspect | Lucas Logan |
| Charge | First-degree murder |
| Plea | Not guilty |
| Bail | $2 million |
| Next Hearing | June 11 |
Footage
Prosecutors say surveillance video showed the interaction remaining friendly for much of the morning.
However, documents indicate the tone changed around 6:40 a.m. Although the cameras did not record audio, investigators stated that Margarsa and Logan appeared to be arguing based on gestures and body language captured on video.
According to court filings, Margarsa walked toward the entrance door shortly before the shooting occurred.
Prosecutors allege Logan then removed a firearm from a cross-body bag and shot Margarsa once in the head before firing two additional shots after he fell to the ground.
Defense attorneys representing Logan argued in court that he acted in self-defense.
Seattle police have not publicly released additional details about what may have led to the confrontation.
Family
Family members described Margarsa, known widely as “Q,” as someone who brought people together and maintained close connections throughout the community.
His brother said Quusaa regularly attended his basketball games and remained deeply involved in the lives of family and friends.
“He was just a ball of light,” Badhas Margarsa said. “He connects everybody.”
Relatives said members of the extended family have been gathering daily to support Margarsa’s mother following the loss.
One family member traveled from Norway to be with the family during the court proceedings and memorial planning.
Community
The death has affected many people in Seattle’s local community, where Margarsa was known by friends, coworkers, and neighbors.
Supporters have organized fundraisers to help cover funeral and memorial expenses for the family.
Two GoFundMe campaigns were created in the days following his death as community members continued sharing tributes and messages of support online.
The case remains under active investigation.
Next
Logan is scheduled to appear in court again on June 11 as the legal process continues.
At this stage, prosecutors continue building their case while defense attorneys maintain that Logan acted in self-defense during the encounter.
Further evidence, including surveillance footage and witness testimony, is expected to become central as the case moves forward through the court system.
For Margarsa’s family, however, the hearings represent more than legal proceedings. Relatives described the ongoing process as part of grieving the loss of someone they say brought energy, support, and connection to many people around him.
FAQs
Who was charged in the case?
Lucas Logan was charged with murder.
What plea did Logan enter?
He pleaded not guilty in court.
Where did the shooting happen?
Outside Growler Guys in North Seattle.
What was the bail amount?
The judge kept bail at $2 million.
When is the next hearing?
The next court hearing is June 11.
