Rebecca Ann Rule-Cowles, a 51-year-old woman from Port Angeles, Washington, was found dead on September 28, 2024, in her residence on the 300 block of Whidby Avenue. She had apparently died from multiple gunshot wounds.
The primary suspect in her death is Marquise Gregory Hagans-Moore, a 26-year-old man who shared the residence with Rule-Cowles.
According to reports, Hagans-Moore turned himself in to the Tacoma Police Department on September 29, 2024, confessing that he had killed his roommate.
The incident allegedly occurred after an argument between Hagans-Moore and Rule-Cowles. Hagans-Moore had brought his ex-wife's two siblings to the house to sleep, following a family tragedy. He requested Rule-Cowles, who was hosting a gathering, to be quiet. When she later asked him and the children to leave, an argument ensued. Hagans-Moore reportedly told his aunt that he doesn't remember what happened next, only that he 'emptied the clip on her.' The victim is said to have been shot 17 times.
After the incident, Hagans-Moore drove the children to Tacoma, eventually leaving them at a mall in Olympia before turning himself in. Port Angeles police, alerted by the Tacoma authorities, conducted a welfare check at the Whidby Avenue residence, where they discovered Rule-Cowles' body.
Hagans-Moore was charged with second-degree murder with domestic violence and firearm enhancements in Clallam County Superior Court. The charge carries a potential life sentence and a maximum fine of $50,000. An additional five years may be added due to the firearm enhancement.
During his initial court appearances, Hagans-Moore exhibited concerning behavior, reportedly shouting threats and appearing agitated. This led to discussions about keeping him shackled during court proceedings. The court also ordered a competency evaluation for Hagans-Moore.
The investigation revealed that Hagans-Moore was subject to multiple domestic violence protection orders, including one that required him to surrender his weapons. The presence of a handgun at the crime scene, therefore, added to the severity of the charges against him.
As of the latest reports, the investigation was ongoing, with law enforcement continuing to process the crime scene with assistance from the Washington State Patrol Crime Scene Response Team.
