Eugene Cortez Saunders III dies in fatal Tacoma shooting

Eugene Cortez Saunders III dies in fatal Tacoma shooting

Fatal Tacoma shooting death of Eugene Cortez Saunders III – Obituary

Eugene Cortez Saunders III, 25, was killed in a New Year’s Day shooting in Tacoma, authorities confirmed. Saunders suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the 3500 block of East Grandview Avenue, and the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a homicide.

Police were called to the scene around 3:39 a.m., where officers found Saunders injured and attempted lifesaving measures until Tacoma Fire Department personnel arrived. Despite their efforts, Saunders was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives were present at the time, serving search warrants and speaking with witnesses.

No arrests have been made, and Tacoma police continue to investigate. This incident was the city’s first homicide of 2026.