Tacoma police say they arrested a suspect Friday in the April 23 fatal shooting that left 32-year-old Khiree Shakur Johnson-Scott dead at an encampment on the 1100 block of South J Street. Officers found Johnson-Scott with an apparent gunshot wound, and he was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The person taken into custody was booked into the Pierce County Jail, and detectives say the investigation remains active.
As reported by KING 5, Tacoma police took a suspect into custody on May 8 and booked that person into the Pierce County Jail. The department has not released the suspect’s name, any charges, or what investigators believe led up to the shooting.
The Pierce County Medical Examiner identified the victim as Khiree Shakur Johnson-Scott, 32, and ruled the death a homicide, according to The News Tribune. That report says officers were dispatched around 9 p.m. to the 1100 block of South J Street, where first responders attempted life-saving measures at the scene before Johnson-Scott was transported to a hospital.
Tacoma Police have not released further information about the suspect or a possible motive, and detectives continue to ask anyone with information to come forward, KING 5 reports. Authorities have not announced formal charges while investigators process evidence and interview witnesses.
Encampment Violence and Community Concern
The shooting occurred at an encampment, and local reporting said Johnson-Scott was presumed to be homeless, a stark reminder of safety and outreach challenges in Tacoma's downtown and Hilltop neighborhoods, according to The News Tribune. City officials and outreach groups have been weighing how to protect people living in encampments while addressing public safety concerns.
What Happens Next
Detectives will continue to process evidence and interview witnesses as the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney reviews the case for possible charges. Anyone with information about the April 23 shooting is asked to contact Tacoma Police or call 911.
