Martice Lawon Ryan, 25, is facing first-degree murder and assault charges following a shooting on August 6 at MultiCare Allenmore Hospital in Tacoma, Washington. The shooting, which occurred in the emergency room, left one man dead and another woman injured. Authorities responded to the incident around 7 p.m., where they found hospital staff treating the victims. The male victim, identified as J.W., succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, while the female victim, C.C., sustained a graze wound to her stomach.
The Victims’ Account of the Shooting
According to the woman’s statement to police, she and J.W. arrived at the hospital after he was experiencing elbow pain. Nothing unusual occurred during the drive. Upon arriving at the ER, they noticed a man driving a red Mazda SUV with loud music. After checking in at the hospital, the woman saw the same man walk inside. He approached them in the waiting area and, without provocation, asked the male victim if he had been “staring at him.” When J.W. denied it, the suspect allegedly threatened, saying, “It’s about to get switchy in here,” before pulling out a gun and opening fire on the couple.
Surveillance Footage Leads to Arrest
Detectives obtained surveillance footage from the hospital, which showed the suspect’s vehicle, a 2014-2016 Mazda CX-5 with a dealership license plate frame. Police contacted the local dealership and were able to identify Ryan as one of the recent buyers of this vehicle. His driver’s license photo matched the man seen in the surveillance video, leading to his arrest.
Defendant’s Arraignment and Victim’s Father’s Statement
Ryan was arrested on Sunday and appeared in court on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. During the hearing, the father of the deceased victim addressed the court, describing the incident as “an act of terror” and a violation of the sanctity of the hospital, a place where the community should feel safe.
Ryan is currently being held without bond in Pierce County Jail, with his next court date scheduled for September 11. The investigation into the shooting continues.
