In the city of Puyallup, Washington, a 43-year-old Hispanic male named Jose Velez, a beloved barbershop owner, husband, and father, was known for his compassionate nature. He was a mentor to young people and would often give haircuts to those who couldn't afford them. Velez, who had moved from New Jersey to Washington more than a decade prior to build a better life, had established himself as a hardworking and respected member of the Tacoma area community.
On the evening of November 30,
2022, the vibrant life of Jose Velez was cut short in a shocking act of violence. Inside his business, JQ's Barbershop on East Stewart Avenue, Velez was in the middle of giving a haircut to an eight-year-old boy. Shortly after 5 p.m., an unknown gunman entered the shop. The assailant, ignoring others present, walked directly to where Velez was working and shot him multiple times. The targeted nature of the attack was immediately apparent to investigators. Velez was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Puyallup Police Department launched an investigation into the homicide, believing it to be an isolated incident and not a random act of violence. The suspect was described as a male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, who was wearing all-black clothing at the time of the shooting. After the attack, the gunman fled the scene and disappeared into the night.
As of late 2023, the investigation into Jose Velez's murder remains ongoing, but his killer has not been identified, and no arrests have been made. The investigation was hampered by the fact that surveillance cameras near the barbershop were not operational at the time of the incident. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward, as a community and a grieving family continue to await justice for a man remembered for his generosity and kindness.
