Tacoma mass shooting updates: What is known about how 4 people were shot dead
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Mass shooting in Salishan neighborhood
Four people were shot dead in Tacoma’s Salishan neighborhood Thursday evening. Stick with The News Tribune as we report the latest in this developing story.
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No arrests have been made Friday morning after four people were shot dead Thursday in Tacoma’s Salishan neighborhood.
Two men and two women died in the shooting, first reported at 4:24 p.m. near the 4200 block of Everett Street. One of the victims was initially transported to the hospital but later died.
The shooting took place in an alley behind a residence, Tacoma Police Department spokesperson Wendy Haddow said. She said at least one victim was found in the street in front of the residence. It’s unclear what led up to the shooting.
A neighbor who heard the gunshots said she saw a man run from the scene and get in a waiting black car which drove away. Police did not find any suspects in an initial search. The investigation is ongoing.
Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodard and City Council member Catherine Ushka on Friday extended sympathy to the Eastside community and those directly affected by the shooting. Ushka represents the area where the shooting occurred.
“We know our police will diligently collect the facts of this case,” they said in a press release. “As we learn more, we as a community will find our way through this together.”
Who was killed in the shooting?
The men killed were ages 22 and 19, police said Friday. The women were ages 42 and 22. Police have not released any details about their identities. It’s unclear whether any of the victims knew one another.
Police also warned of fake online fundraising accounts that had been set up purportedly for the victim’s families. One fake fundraiser had already raised about $900 Friday. It included photos of people who police said were not the actual victims of Thursday’s shooting.
When homicides occur in Pierce County, a forensic investigator responds to gather information about the deceased. After a field examination of the body, they transport the remains to the Medical Examiner’s offices. Autopsies are typically performed within a day or two.
Autopsy reports can take weeks or months to complete, but medical examiners can offer some immediate information to law enforcement. Identifying information about the deceased is typically released by the office on the county’s website.
Have police found any suspects?
Police and a K-9 unit searched the area after the shooting but did not find any suspects. Tacoma police spokesperson Haddow said it was unknown if there was one or multiple suspects related to the shooting.
In a brief phone call Friday morning, Haddow said police had not made any arrests.
Where did the shooting happen?
The shooting occurred in Tacoma’s Eastside in the Salishan neighborhood. Police said it happened in an alley behind a residence in a housing development called New Salishan. The neighborhood has a long history in the city.
New Salishan is a mixed-income, mixed-use neighborhood with affordable and market-rate rental units, single-family homes, commercial buildings and parks.
The neighborhood underwent a major redevelopment by the Tacoma Housing Authority, which took three phases, $300 million and 15 years to complete. The development consists of nearly 200 urban acres and more than 1,300 dwelling units.
How many people have died from gun violence in Tacoma in 2021?
The shooting brought Tacoma’s 2021 homicide count to 27. Of those killings, 18 were shootings.
The count is still below last year’s 32 recorded homicides, which was the highest number since 1994 when there were 33.
This story was originally published October 22, 2021 at 8:57 AM with the headline "Tacoma mass shooting updates: What is known about how 4 people were shot dead."
