Teen’s death in Pierce County one year ago remains unsolved. State troopers seek help
On Dec. 30, 2023, 15-year-old Russell Walker III was killed in a drive-by shooting in Parkland. One year later, Washington State Patrol investigators are still trying to confirm what happened.
The investigation has been extensive and remains ongoing, the agency wrote in a press release Monday.
“In an effort to remind the public and to assist in investigation, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) is asking anyone who may have witnessed or have additional information regarding the incident to please come forward,” the release said.
Walker was one of three victims in the shooting, which happened at about 2 a.m., the release said. Walker and several others were inside a vehicle that was hit by gunfire as a someone or multiple people fired rounds at them on Pacific Avenue South at 112th Street South.
Tacoma police were the initial investigatorst, but the Washington State Patrol took over Jan. 3 after determining the location of the incident on Pacific Avenue South, which is also known as state Route 7 and falls in WSP’s jurisdiction, The News Tribune reported.
The victims drove themselves to Tacoma General Hospital after the shooting. Two survived their wounds, but Walker did not.
The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Walker’s death a homicide from gunshot wounds to the head. He was a Maple Valley resident.
State Patrol requests anyone with information about the incident to contact detective Adam Gruener at adam.gruener@wsp.wa.gov or 253-538-3176.
