In the early hours of Sunday, February 28, 2021, a house party in Puyallup, Washington, turned into a scene of violence that claimed the life of 22-year-old Victor Zuniga. The gathering, attended by approximately 70 people, was in full swing in the 12100 block of 105th Avenue Court East when the festive atmosphere was shattered by the sound of gunfire. Neighbors reported being awakened around 3 a.m.
by the loud pops of what they estimated to be eight to twelve gunshots.
According to witnesses, a fight had broken out in the street among some of the partygoers. In the ensuing chaos, Victor Zuniga was struck by multiple bullets. When Pierce County sheriff's deputies arrived at the chaotic scene, they found Zuniga in the street and moved him to a safer location to administer medical aid, uncertain if the shooter was still in the vicinity. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Another young man, an 18-year-old, was also shot and seriously wounded. He was later dropped off at a hospital.
The sudden and violent death of Victor Zuniga, a man described by his family as playful and protective, left his loved ones devastated. His death occurred just six days before his 23rd birthday, a milestone he was eagerly anticipating. Instead of celebrating his life, his family found themselves planning his funeral. They set up a memorial in the neighborhood where he was killed and pleaded with the public for any information that could lead to the capture of those responsible.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, detectives from the Pierce County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation, interviewing witnesses and examining home surveillance footage from the area. However, the suspects reportedly fled the scene, and as of early March 2021, no arrests had been made in connection with the shooting. The authorities have not released any information about what may have instigated the fight or publicly identified any suspects in the murder of Victor Zuniga.
