23-Year-Old Killed in Tacoma Shooting

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Summary: William Simon, 23, was killed in Tacoma on Aug. 7, 2026. 18-year-old Amanuel Piyo of Kent was one of three arrested. Bul Ajak Bul and a teenage boy were also arrested.

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A late-night gathering in Tacoma, Washington, turned deadly Aug. 7 when 23-year-old William Simon was shot and killed, launching a homicide investigation that has since resulted in three arrests.

Tacoma police were called to a parking garage shortly after 2 a.m. after receiving a report of a shooting. Officers found Simon suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and attempted to provide medical assistance. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators soon learned that another man had arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound. That man, identified as 18-year-old Amanuel Piyo of Kent, was later arrested after detectives determined he was connected to the shooting. He faces charges of first-degree murder and first-degree robbery.

What investigators say happened

According to charging documents, the shooting followed an alleged attempt by several people to take Simon's handgun. Witness accounts described a confrontation in which Simon and others exchanged gunfire.

Investigators allege Simon fired twice and struck at least one person. At least one person then returned fire, killing Simon. Court documents say Simon sustained eight to nine gunshot wounds.

The circumstances leading to the confrontation remain an important part of the investigation, and the allegations have not been established as facts at trial.

Two additional arrests

The case expanded during the following weeks.

On Aug. 12, police arrested a 17-year-old boy who was subsequently booked into Remann Hall on a first-degree murder charge. Authorities later identified a third suspect, adult male Bul Ajak Bul, who was arrested Aug. 18 and booked into the Pierce County Jail. Bul faces first-degree murder and first-degree robbery charges.

Piyo, the first suspect arrested, had appeared in court and entered a not-guilty plea through his attorney. His bail was set at $1 million, according to reporting on the case.

Tacoma police continue to describe the investigation as active. The case will ultimately depend on evidence presented in court, where each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Questions

Why would Simon, a 23-year-old father of three, be hanging out with black teens at a late-night impromptu party in a parking garage? Was Simon a passerby who was targeted by the teens? Was he there to purchase illegal substances?

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Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Sources/related links:

Tacoma Police Department
Tacoma Police news releases
KIRO 7 report on the homicide investigation

View 31 black-on-white homicides found in July, 2026 ►