Eighth Tacoma Homicide of 2019: James 'Jimmy' Mureness

In the early morning hours of April 23rd, 43-year-old James 'Jimmy' Mureness was at a bus stop in the 2900 block of East D Street with a friend when a 23-year-old man in a hoodie approached them. Hours earlier the man had fired multiple shots into his ceiling. Police were called, but he had left by then. The man in the hoodie said nothing to Jimmy and his friend and left, then came back moments later and shot them both before running away.

Jimmy's friend survived. Jimmy wasn't so lucky. Jimmy Mureness is the eighth Tacoma homicide this year.

Police caught up with the shooter later that same evening. He shot himself in the forehead, but only received minor injuries from the shot. After being treated for his injuries, he was arrested and charged with first degree murder and first degree attempted murder.

Statements made by the shooter were inconsistent and contradictory, calling his mental well being into question, but whatever the explanation, the loss of life is still devastating for his friends and family.

Jimmy's family lives in upstate New York. They have a GoFundMe set up to offset costs of having his body and belongings shipped back east. You can donate here:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/memorial-for-james-mureness

As always, the comment section is moderated and reserved for those who knew Jimmy and want to share memories of him.

- Jack Cameron