Neiana Allen-Bailey, 20, was sentenced last week to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the 2023 shooting death of 52-year-old Uber driver Amare Geda in downtown Seattle.
Crime and Immediate Aftermath
Around 3:30 a.m. near First Avenue South and South Walker Street, Allen-Bailey (then 17) approached Geda’s Toyota Prius during his overnight shift, shot him, dragged his body into the street, and stole the car. She then casually drove it for two days—visiting family in Skyway, smoking marijuana in Rainier Beach, getting her hair done in Kent, and refueling in Renton—before her August 2023 arrest during a police stakeout at a Denny Park street fair.
Sentencing Highlights
At Friday’s hearing, Geda’s 10-year-old son played a heartfelt song: “I wish I could have stopped my dad from going to work that night… Wherever you are, Dad, I hope you are safe.” Allen-Bailey expressed remorse, citing nightmares and lifelong pain for all involved. Prosecutors sought a longer term but got 20 years; one called Geda’s death a “life sentence” for his family.
Victim’s Legacy
The Ethiopian immigrant worked two jobs (airport daytime, Uber nights) for 14 years to support his family, attended church, and mentored fellow rideshare drivers who dubbed him “an angel on earth.” His vigil drew grief over the “violent and vicious” loss.
This random rideshare murder-turned-joyride adds to the senseless violence in your recent stories—from neighbor shootings to teen killers—often post-crime nonchalance amplifying the horror. Devastating impact on Geda’s loved ones; what’s resonating most in this series for you?
