Teen Accused of Tacoma Elevator Shooting Charged as Adult

Kaleb Prince Tramble, 16, faces first- and second-degree murder charges in 2025 killing of Messiah Washington.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 3:39pm

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One of two teenagers accused of fatally shooting an 18-year-old man in the elevator of a Tacoma apartment building will be prosecuted as an adult after prosecutors convinced a judge to decline juvenile jurisdiction. Kaleb Prince Tramble, 16, pleaded not guilty to charges of first- and second-degree murder as well as second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in the juvenile justice system, as prosecutors seek to try certain violent offenders as adults in an effort to protect public safety. The decision to decline juvenile jurisdiction for Tramble's case will likely spark further debate around bail reform, sentencing guidelines, and the appropriate balance between rehabilitation and punishment for youth offenders.

The details

According to charging documents, Tramble and three other teenagers, including a 15-year-old who allegedly shot Messiah Washington multiple times, were involved in the fatal shooting on February 22, 2025. Surveillance video allegedly showed the group surrounding Washington in the apartment building's elevator before the shooting. Prosecutors believe the teens were attempting to rob Washington's father or a friend known to traffic stolen goods.

  • On February 22, 2025, Messiah Washington was fatally shot in the elevator of his Tacoma apartment building.
  • On January 6, 2026, a discretionary decline hearing began before Judge Philip Thornton.
  • On January 22, 2026, Judge Thornton granted prosecutors' motion to decline juvenile jurisdiction for Kaleb Prince Tramble's case.

The players

Kaleb Prince Tramble

A 16-year-old boy accused of first- and second-degree murder as well as second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm in the 2025 shooting death of Messiah Washington.

Messiah Washington

An 18-year-old man who was fatally shot in the elevator of his Tacoma apartment building in 2025.

Judge Jennifer Andrews

The judge who ordered Tramble held in custody at the county's juvenile detention center in lieu of $1 million bail.

Judge Philip Thornton

The judge who granted prosecutors' motion to decline juvenile jurisdiction for Tramble's case.

Prosecuting Attorney's Office

The office that is prosecuting the case against Tramble and the other teenagers involved in the shooting.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.