Eugene Cortez Saunders III, 25, was shot and killed in Tacoma in the early morning of January 1, 2026. Police were dispatched to the 3500 block of East Grandview Avenue at about 3:39 a.m. after reports of a shooting. Officers found Saunders with multiple gunshot wounds; lifesaving efforts continued until Tacoma Fire Department personnel arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Pierce County Medical Examiner ruled the manner of death a homicide and listed the cause as multiple gunshot wounds.

Investigators say the shooting followed a house party on the city’s east side. Two suspects have been identified: Barkei Ben Isreal Brinson, who also goes by Kai, and Aiden Terrel Finley. Authorities believe Brinson and Finley confronted Saunders outside the residence, the confrontation escalated, and Saunders was shot at close range; the two suspects then fled. No arrests have been announced and detectives were serving search warrants and interviewing people who might have information.

Anyone who was at the party or who has information about Brinson or Finley’s whereabouts is asked to contact Tacoma Police.