Man killed outside Tacoma convenience store is identified
A former gang member fatally shot outside a Tacoma convenience store last week has been identified.
Christian Martinez, 26, of Lakewood, died Friday of a gunshot wound to the torso, according to the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Police say he was killed by Manuel Chapa, 27, who pleaded not guilty Tuesday to first-degree murder and first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. He is being held on $2 million bail.
The two men were friends since they were young boys and belonged to the same gang, according to court documents.
But Martinez had recently left the gang and when Chapa was released from prison Sept. 20, gang leaders allegedly ordered him to kill Martinez.
The two men met up early Friday at a convenience store in the 3900 block of East Portland Avenue.
Chapa approached the van Martinez was sitting in and opened fire as Martinez reached out a hand in greeting, according to charging papers.
Martinez’s friends drove him to St. Joseph Medical Center, where he died.
Chapa was arrested Monday night after a brief pursuit in Tacoma.
This story was originally published September 30, 2020 at 10:51 AM.
