Tacoma woman allegedly killed by her son IDed. Cause of death pending
A Tacoma woman who was found dead with apparent stab wounds has been identified.
Mary Jane Stephens, 64, died at her apartment unit April 18 near the 1200 block of North Pearl Street. A cause and manner of death is pending, the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office wrote in a news release. This is a temporary designation used when additional information is required for certification.
Her son, Ronald Thomas Stephens, 35, has been charged with first-degree murder. Ronald Stephens is accused of implying his mother’s death was a suicide to police the day after he allegedly killed her.
Stephens is being held at the Pierce County Jail on a $1.5 million bail. His next hearing is scheduled for May 21 at the Pierce County Superior Court, records show.
