Tacoma police are renewing their call for help in cracking the 2023 killing of 16-year-old Wyatt Owens, urging anyone with even a sliver of information to speak up. Detectives say they have a sharper description of a possible suspect vehicle and are reminding the public about a Crime Stoppers reward as they work to identify who was involved.
According to The News Tribune, first responders were dispatched on Jan. 15, 2023, after reports that a vehicle had crashed into a yard on the 4300 block of North Pearl Street. They found a white 2001 BMW 325i with a 16-year-old in the driver’s seat. Per the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office, the teen was identified as Wyatt Owens of DuPont, and his death was ruled a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the head. Police say another vehicle pulled up alongside Owens’ car and fired into it. He later died from his injuries.
Investigators' description and theory
Tacoma detectives describe the suspect vehicle as a dark four-door sedan, possibly gray, with both white and amber-colored headlights that may have been modified. They say several other vehicles were seen in the area at the time. Investigators believe the shooting may have grown out of a racing or road-rage situation on North Pearl Street between North 26th and North 43rd Streets, a working theory reported by FOX 13 Seattle. Detectives are asking anyone who might have dash-cam or surveillance footage from that stretch and timeframe to get in touch.
Crime Stoppers reward and how to tip
Crime Stoppers of Tacoma/Pierce County is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest and charge, according to the group’s website. Crime Stoppers notes that tips can be submitted anonymously online, by calling 1-800-222-TIPS, or through apps such as P3 Tips. Police and Crime Stoppers are particularly interested in any sightings of a dark sedan that fits the description or any unusual activity near North Pearl Street around 5:15 p.m. on Jan. 15, 2023.
Family remembers Wyatt as generous
Wyatt’s family has described him as a generous, community-oriented teenager who became an organ donor after the shooting, with local reporting saying his donations helped multiple people. Friends and his father have publicly pleaded for leads and voiced frustration that the case is still unsolved and that witnesses have not come forward, as reported by KIRO 7. The family has also created a GoFundMe to help cover funeral and related expenses, according to local coverage.
What detectives hope to find
Tacoma police say no arrests have been made and the case remains an active homicide investigation. The renewed appeal comes amid reporting that several other vehicles were in the area at the time of the shooting and that detectives are still trying to track down and speak with those drivers, according to The News Tribune. Investigators are asking anyone with photos, video, or information about a dark sedan near North 43rd and Pearl to contact Crime Stoppers or Tacoma Police. They stress that even a small detail could help move the case forward.
