Son suspected of killing elderly father inside Tacoma home

A son is suspected of killing his 78-year-old father inside a Tacoma home Thursday.

Police were asked about 4 p.m. Thursday to check on an elderly man.

When officers arrived at his house in the 3500 block of South Wilkeson Street, they foud the man dead inside with at least one gunshot wound.

The victim has not yet been identified.

His son, who is in his 50s, was inside the home when police arrived. He was booked into Pierce County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder.

“He was determined to be responsible,” police spokeswoman Loretta Cool said.

Neighbors say the father and son lived next door to each other.

It is unclear if it was the father or son who lived in the house where the killing occurred. Both houses were owned by the son, neighbors say.

Neighbors described the family as quiet and private, saying the gates in front of the houses were almost always closed.

“They were the best neighbors I’ve had in this neighborhood and I’ve lived here for 30 years,” said neighbor Kim Mattison, who lives next door to the house where the homicide occurred.

Others described the victim as being very kind.

“He was such a nice guy,” neighbor Leann Buckmaster said. “He would talk to all the neighbors.”

Buckmaster noted that she hadn’t seen the father around much lately and suspected it was due to ailing health.

The suspect is expected to appear in court Friday afternoon.

No motive was released.

This story was originally published February 2, 2018 at 7:54 AM with the headline "Son suspected of killing elderly father inside Tacoma home."