Shooting Victim Identified as Wanted Homicide Suspect
The Pierce County Medical Examiner confirmed the deceased man was previously wanted for a 2020 homicide.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Violence
Tacoma police identified 30-year-old Elijah Hylton as the man killed in a shooting at 800 Pacific Avenue early Sunday. Hylton had been a wanted suspect in the 2020 death of Ty Jenkins.
Why it matters
The death of Hylton brings a sudden conclusion to a long-standing investigation into the 2020 killing of Ty Jenkins. Authorities had been actively seeking Hylton since an arrest warrant was issued in early 2023.
Official medical examiner records confirmed the fatality of a 30-year-old male shooting victim. Investigation remains active regarding the separate non-life-threatening injury of a second victim found at the 800 Pacific Avenue scene.
The players
Elijah Hylton
The 30-year-old shooting victim was previously identified by law enforcement as a suspect wanted in a 2020 homicide.
Ty Jenkins
The 25-year-old victim was killed in a 2020 shooting incident at the Emerald Queen Casino.
Tacoma Police Department
The municipal law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the shooting at 800 Pacific Avenue.
David Sekou Sebowa Ward
An associate involved in the 2020 homicide case who was sentenced to nearly three years in prison in 2024.
Pierce County Medical Examiner
The county authority tasked with identifying victims and determining the cause of death for individuals found within the region.
The details
Tacoma police responded to reports of shots fired at 800 Pacific Avenue at 12:27 a.m. on Sunday, where responders attempted to provide aid to the victims. While Hylton died at the scene, a female victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Timeline
Aug. 1, 2020: Ty Jenkins was killed in a shooting at the Emerald Queen Casino.
January 2023: An arrest warrant was issued for Elijah Hylton.
2024: David Sekou Sebowa Ward was sentenced to nearly three years in prison.
12:27 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026: Elijah Hylton died following the shooting.
Legal Context
This incident concludes a multi-year search that began following the 2020 homicide of Ty Jenkins. The case highlights the procedural duration of cold-case investigations in the Tacoma area as authorities continue to process related warrants and convictions.
Residents and business owners in the vicinity of 800 Pacific Avenue should remain aware of potential ongoing police activity at the site. The department has not issued specific new safety advisories following the incident, but the area remains a focal point for the current investigation.
The takeaway
The end of the search for a long-wanted suspect underscores the extended timeline of major criminal investigations in the region. Local authorities continue to manage the aftermath of the shooting as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Further reading
For more information on regional safety and crime trends, see our coverage of Tacoma Violence.
