The Pierce County Medical Examiner has identified the young man killed in a shooting inside a Tacoma hospital emergency room.
Jaedyn Williams, 18, of University Place, died from gunshot wounds to the torso after the Wednesday, Aug. 6, attack at MultiCare Allenmore Hospital, the medical examiner’s office confirmed Wednesday, Aug. 13. His death was ruled a homicide.
The shooting happened around 7 p.m. in the hospital’s ER waiting room, as Puget Press reported. Williams and a woman had come to the hospital because the woman was experiencing elbow pain, according to court documents.
While they waited, a man later identified by police as 25-year-old Martrice Ryan allegedly confronted them, asking Williams what he was staring at and whether he knew him, according to Tacoma Police. When Williams said no, Ryan reportedly said something to the effect of “it’s about to get switchy in here,” a phrase investigators believe refers to converting a semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic weapon.
Ryan then opened fire, striking both victims, according to prosecutors. Medics attempted lifesaving measures, but Williams died at the scene.
The surviving victim told investigators nothing unusual happened on the way to the hospital that would suggest they were followed.
Ryan fled after the shooting and was arrested on Sunday, Aug. 10. He pleaded not guilty the next day to charges of first-degree murder and first-degree assault. A Pierce County judge ordered him held without bail.
Additional details about Williams’ life have not been released. Loved ones are invited to share a statement, photos, or funeral details by emailing michael@pugetpress.com.
