Slain Tacoma teenager wanted to change world

Billy Shirley III had a passion for helping others.

The 17-year-old from Tacoma’s Salishan neighborhood would ride a bus, then walk more than two miles on Saturdays to volunteer with Peace Out, a nonprofit organization that helps teens raise awareness and money for charities.

He tried to get his friends involved in the organization after he completed the eight-week program.

He spent his own money on school supplies and rounded up donated clothing for a fellow student.

“I am trying to change the world, erase all the pain and all the hurt,” Shirley rapped in a song he wrote. “I do whatever it takes to help my community, move by move or step by step.”

Shirley was killed early Saturday as he left a large party inside an empty building in Tacoma’s Nalley Valley. He was days away from starting his senior year at Curtis High School in University Place.

“He wanted to make a difference and not be like everybody else that he was around all the time,” said Amber McLean, cofounder of Peace Out. “It’s just unfortunate.”

Those who knew Shirley remembered him Monday for his megawatt smile, ability to make others laugh and dedication to volunteering.

“It just sickens me,” said David Hammond, principal at Curtis. “He was just a funny, witty kid.”

Many people posted memories and condolences on two Facebook pages set up for Shirley.

“All of the times we had our long talks and you walked me home because it was dark and I didn’t wanna go by myself,” Sierra Barquet wrote. “Now those memories feel so distant.”

Meanwhile, Tacoma police detectives were trying to piece together what happened at the party and who shot Shirley.

“We are getting some information but we are not getting the whole story from anyone,” Tacoma police spokesman Mark Fulghum said Monday. “We are just getting bits and pieces.”

Shirley had gone to the gathering in the 1600 block of South Center Street with some friends to check on someone else. More than 100 people were at the party, many in their 30s and 40s. Investigators described the party as a regular event after closing time at the bars. Police previously had been to the party twice this summer following complaints about parking and noise.

“It was not a teen crowd,” Fulghum said. “I don’t think (the victim) was invited to the party. He just showed up.”

Shortly after 5 a.m., there was an argument, several fights broke out and then gunfire. Shirley was struck at least twice as he was leaving.

The department had no suspects in the case as of Monday. Fulghum said some people at the party had gang affiliations, but there was nothing to indicate gang rivalries led to the shooting.

Shirley wasn’t involved in gangs, McLean said. Fulghum said the teen had not had any run-ins with local law enforcement.

Shirley rode the bus from Salishan to Curtis High School for his junior year this past school year. While working with his English teacher, he spotted a flier for Peace Out. He had just read a self-help book and was inspired, McLean said.

Shirley completed the eight-week Peace Out program, which requires students to choose a charity to help. Shirley selected Peace Out, saying if there was no Peace Out, the students wouldn’t be there to help other charities.

“It was really, really sweet,” said Michelle McLean, executive director of the organization and Amber’s mother.

Shirley joined Curtis’ yearbook committee last year and plugged Peace Out in the annual. Though his time with the organization was short, his legacy will live on. Peace Out uses a quote of Shirley’s to talk about the difference the program can make.

“Now when someone wants me to do something that I shouldn’t, I remember I am representing Peace Out and I make the right choice,” Shirley said.

And many of Shirley’s friends have expressed an interest in getting involved.

“They are all contacting us and wanting to get information,” Amber McLean said. “I know he is looking down and is so happy about that.”

Stacey Mulick: 253-597-8268
stacey.mulick@thenewstribune.com
blog.thenewstribune.com/crime