19-year-old Tacoma man fatally shot in Parkland officially identified. No arrests made

A 19-year-old man who was killed in a shooting last week in Parkland was officially identified, according to the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Japree Marcus, 19 of Tacoma, died from multiple gunshot wounds near the 11800 block of Pacific Avenue South on July 31. His manner of death is listed as a homicide, the medical examiner said in a news release.

A GoFundMe set up by Marcus’ family spells his first name as “Ja’Pree.”

Pierce County deputies were dispatched that day to reports of a shooting. They were advised one man was down in the street, according to a Pierce County Sheriff’s Department news release.

Marcus was deceased at the scene. A firearm, live ammunition and multiple shell casings were in the roadway, the release said. The suspects drove off north on Pacific Avenue, according to witnesses on the scene.

Marcus’ girlfriend witnessed the shooting and was interviewed by deputies.

There had been no arrests made as of Wednesday. The investigation is ongoing, according to the department spokesperson deputy Carly Cappetto.

“Our detectives are working vigorously on putting this case to a close and hopefully will be able to share the details of their investigation at a later time,” she said.

The GoFundMe was set up to help Marcus’ family with burial costs.

Marcus graduated from high school in June 2023 with honors and gave a speech to his graduating class. He was described as intelligent, overly talented and kindhearted, the fundraiser said.

“He was not only a son, but he was a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a friend and a grandson. And he will truly be missed by so many people,” the GoFundMe said.