Suspect and 4 Others Dead After Stabbing Near Tacoma

Authorities say a man fatally stabbed four people before being shot by a sheriff's deputy.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 32-year-old man fatally stabbed four people outside a home northwest of Tacoma, Washington, on Tuesday before being shot and killed by a sheriff's deputy who responded to the scene, authorities said.

Why it matters

The deadly stabbing incident raises concerns about domestic violence and the challenges law enforcement faces in responding to volatile situations involving restraining orders and mental health crises.

The details

According to the Pierce County Sheriff's Office, deputies initially responded to reports that the 32-year-old man was violating a no-contact order. When they arrived at the scene, they learned the order had not been officially served on the suspect. As deputies headed to the home, additional calls came in reporting the man was stabbing people outside the residence. The first deputy arrived within about three minutes and shot the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Three of the stabbing victims were also found dead at the scene, while another died while being transported to a hospital.

  • The incident occurred around 8:40 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • The first deputy arrived on the scene within about three minutes of the initial calls.

The players

Pierce County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and shot the suspect.

32-year-old suspect

The man who fatally stabbed four people before being shot and killed by a sheriff's deputy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must continue to work on improving our response to domestic violence situations and mental health crises to prevent such tragic outcomes.”

— Officer Shelbie Boyd, Spokesperson, Pierce County Force Investigation Team

What’s next

The Pierce County Force Investigation Team will continue to investigate the incident and determine if the deputy's use of force was justified.

The takeaway

This devastating stabbing highlights the need for better coordination between law enforcement, social services, and mental health resources to address domestic violence and prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.