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Teen Charged as Adult After High‑Speed Pursuit Kills 17‑Year‑Old in Tacoma

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Seventeen‑year‑old faces adult murder and traffic charges Malik Javan Jagana, 17, is being tried in adult court on second‑degree murder, vehicular homicide, attempted elusion, stolen‑vehicle possession, cannabis possession, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, and driving with a suspended license [1]. Prosecutors listed each count to underscore the severity of the incident and to ensure the case proceeds under adult sentencing guidelines [1]. The court’s decision to treat Jagana as an adult reflects Washington state policy for serious violent offenses committed by minors [1].

Stolen Hyundai performs reckless U‑turn and runs red light A state trooper observed the Hyundai, reported stolen, execute a dangerous U‑turn, ignore a red signal, and cut off another driver on Pacific Highway East near Port of Tacoma Road [1]. The vehicle’s illegal maneuver triggered the initial police pursuit, prompting officers to initiate a high‑speed chase [1]. Law enforcement noted the vehicle’s stolen status as a key factor in escalating the response [1].

Pursuit peaks at 110 mph on SR 509, vehicle goes airborne near I‑705 Officers attempted to create distance as the suspect’s car accelerated to roughly 110 mph in a 60‑mph zone on SR 509 [1]. Near the I‑705 interchange, the Hyundai slowed, nearly struck another car, launched into the air, and slid sideways, striking a power pole on the passenger side [1]. The crash killed a 17‑year‑old female passenger on scene and left another occupant dazed [1].

Driver questioned police while CPR performed, expresses uncertainty While emergency responders administered CPR to the deceased girl, Jagana asked a trooper, “Did I kill her? Did I kill her or did you guys?” indicating confusion or denial about the fatal outcome [1]. The interrogation occurred amid the chaotic aftermath, highlighting the suspect’s mental state during the incident [1]. Investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence [1].

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Timeline

Jan 2, 2026 – A state trooper spots a Hyundai Sonata committing a lane violation on US‑33 at 3 a.m., signals for a stop, and the driver flees, sparking a pursuit that weaves onto Route 36 and Route 4 before troopers disable the vehicle with stop‑sticks on Route 161 near Indian Springs Golf Club; three juveniles flee but are captured by 4 a.m., and the 17‑year‑old driver is charged with failure to comply, theft without consent and obstructing official business while the 14‑ and 15‑year‑old passengers face obstruction charges[1].

Jan 2026 – A state trooper observes a stolen Hyundai executing a reckless U‑turn, running a red light and cutting off traffic on Pacific Highway East near Port of Tacoma Road, prompting a high‑speed chase that peaks at about 110 mph on SR 509[2].

Jan 2026 – Near the I‑705 intersection, the fleeing Hyundai goes airborne, slides sideways, strikes a power pole, and a 17‑year‑old passenger dies at the scene while another passenger is dazed[2].

Jan 2026 – While officers perform CPR on the deceased girl, driver Malik Javan Jagana asks a trooper, “Did I kill her? Did I kill her or did you guys?” indicating his confusion about the fatal outcome[2].

Jan 20, 2026 – Prosecutors charge 17‑year‑old Malik Javan Jagana as an adult with second‑degree murder, vehicular homicide, attempted elusion, unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle, cannabis possession, reckless endangerment, reckless driving and driving with a suspended license, moving the case to adult court[2].

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