On New Year's Day in Tacoma, Washington, a young man's life was tragically cut short. Eugene Cortez Saunders III, a 25-year-old male, was shot and killed in the early morning hours of January 1, 2026. The incident, which marked the city's first homicide of the new year, occurred in the 3500 block of East Grandview Avenue.
Police were dispatched to the scene at approximately 3:39 a.m. following reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, they discovered Saunders suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began performing life-saving measures until the Tacoma Fire Department arrived, but unfortunately, Saunders succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office later confirmed his cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds and ruled the manner of death a homicide.
Further investigation revealed that the shooting took place following a house party on Tacoma's east side. Authorities have identified two suspects in connection with the murder: Barkei Ben Isreal Brinson, who also goes by the name "Kai," and Aiden Terrel Finley. It is believed that after the party concluded, Brinson and Finley confronted Saunders outside the residence. The confrontation escalated, resulting in Saunders being fatally shot at close range. The two suspects then fled the scene.
As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made in the case. The Tacoma Police Department has issued a call for public assistance in locating Brinson and Finley, who are both wanted for murder. Detectives were reported to be serving search warrants and speaking with individuals who may have information related to the shooting.
