On a cold January night in Midland, Washington, the life of 27-year-old Gage Hallstead was cut short in a sudden and violent encounter. On January 22, 2022, Hallstead, a male, was fatally shot while sitting in a car with his brother, cousin, and another individual outside an apartment complex. The attack also left his three companions wounded.
The evening was shattered by the sound of gunfire around 11:20 p.m. near the intersection of 76th Street Court East and Golden Given Road East.
An unknown vehicle reportedly pulled up alongside the two cars occupied by Hallstead and his family members, and an occupant, or occupants, opened fire. In the chaotic aftermath, Hallstead's father, who was in the other vehicle, attempted to rush his mortally wounded son and an injured nephew to safety. With two of their vehicle's tires shot out, he drove about three miles away to Northeast Tacoma before pulling over to call for help.
When law enforcement arrived at the Tacoma location, Gage Hallstead was deceased, having succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds. His death was officially ruled a homicide by the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office. The three other victims were transported to local hospitals with serious injuries but survived.
In the wake of the shooting, Hallstead's mother expressed her profound grief and confusion, stating that her sons were hardworking citizens and not involved in any illicit activities. She maintained that the family had no idea why they would be targeted. The Pierce County Sheriff's Department launched an investigation into the deadly shooting, initially searching for a white or light-colored sedan that was seen leaving the scene. However, despite their efforts, no suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made in connection with the murder of Gage Hallstead. The case remains an unsolved homicide, leaving a family to grapple with the unanswered questions surrounding the violent loss of their loved one.
