What began as a missing-persons case in Tacoma has now escalated into a suspected homicide, even though investigators say they still have not found a body.
Tacoma police on Wednesday arrested Kendrick Deshaun Bruce on suspicion of murder, a major step in a months-long investigation into a Tacoma woman who has been missing since March 3. Detectives say they followed a string of interviews and a trail of digital transactions to build probable cause in what they describe as a "no-body" homicide case.
Arrest and suspected no-body homicide
According to KING5, Tacoma detectives moved in on Bruce after developing additional probable cause and booked him on suspicion of murder. Police say the case is being handled as an active homicide investigation, even though the missing woman has not been found.
Digital trail and court records
Court documents obtained by KING5 outline how detectives tracked purchases and transfers tied to the missing woman’s accounts. Those records include a March 28 Chime purchase at a Puyallup 7-Eleven for $13.56, followed the same day by a $150 Cash App transfer from her account to Bruce.
The documents state that Bruce told detectives the Chime charge was accidental and said he shifted the $150 because he believed she would not pay him back. The filings also allege that Bruce once told the woman, "nobody would find your body." Investigators are now treating those digital breadcrumbs and statements as key pieces in the unfolding homicide probe.
Allegations, earlier arrest and investigation timeline
The woman, identified in court filings by the initials T.D.D., was listed on a missing-person poster as having been missing since March 3, and a friend reported losing contact with her in late March, according to reporters’ review of the records.
The same records show Bruce was previously arrested on April 1 on two counts of identity theft and one count of felony harassment, with domestic-violence enhancements. He was released on personal recognizance. Detectives say they later developed additional probable cause that led to the separate arrest on suspicion of murder that was carried out this week.
How to help investigators
Authorities are still asking the public for help. Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Pierce County Sheriff's Department at 253-287-4455.
The Pierce County website posts non-emergency contact details along with resources for reporting tips and filing reports. For more information, visit Pierce County.
Legal context
An arrest on suspicion of murder means detectives believe they have probable cause to detain a suspect, but it is not the same thing as a criminal charge or a conviction. Prosecutors will review the evidence and then decide whether to file formal charges. As the case moves forward, the accused remains legally presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
