TACOMA, WA — Martice Lawon Ryan, 25, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and assault after a shooting at the MultiCare Allenmore Hospital emergency room in Tacoma, Washington, on August 6, 2025.
Ryan allegedly walked into the ER and shot two people in an apparent random act of violence, killing one of the victims.
Shooting Details
According to a probable cause affidavit, police responded to the hospital around 7 p.m. and found hospital staff treating J.W., a male victim, who was pronounced dead after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. The second victim, C.C., a woman, had a graze wound to her stomach.
The woman told police that she did not know the shooter and had no idea why the attack occurred. She explained that she and J.W. had gone to the hospital after J.W. complained of elbow pain.
After arriving, the couple entered the emergency room. They noticed a man in a red Mazda SUV with loud music who slowly passed them in the parking lot. As they checked in, the man entered the ER and approached them.
The Alleged Shooter’s Actions
According to the woman’s statement, the man, later identified as Ryan, asked J.W. if he had been “staring at him.” When J.W. denied it, Ryan allegedly asked if they knew each other, to which J.W. again said no.
Ryan then allegedly said, “It’s about to get switchy in here,” referring to a device that can make a semi-automatic gun fully automatic. Ryan then allegedly pulled out a gun and fired multiple rounds at the couple before fleeing the scene.
Investigation and Arrest
Police reviewed surveillance video from the hospital, which identified the suspect vehicle as a 2014-2016 Mazda CX-5. Investigators contacted a local dealership and obtained the names of individuals who purchased that type of vehicle in the past year.
Ryan was one of the vehicle owners, and his driver’s license photo matched the suspect in the video.
Ryan was arrested on Sunday and made his first court appearance on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. Ryan’s father spoke during the hearing, describing the incident as “an act of terror” that occurred in a place where the community should feel safe.
Legal Proceedings
Ryan remains in Pierce County Jail without bond, and his next court appearance is scheduled for September 11, 2025. The case continues to unfold as investigators seek to understand the motive behind this tragic act.
