Homicide Investigation Opens After 21-Year-Old Killed in Tacoma Road‑Rage Crash
Updated (4 articles)
Fatal Crash Occurs on Military Road East Late Friday Deputies arrived at approximately 10:16 p.m. on January 31 in the 16100 block of Military Road East, Tacoma, responding to a single‑car collision that police describe as a road‑rage incident [1]. The crash involved only one vehicle, driven by a 21‑year‑old man, and emergency crews found him with a gunshot wound [1]. He was pronounced dead at the scene, prompting immediate classification of the event as a homicide [1].
Victim Identified as Young Male Driver with Gunshot Wound The sole occupant, a 21‑year‑old male driver, sustained a fatal gunshot injury discovered by first responders [1]. Authorities have not released his name or additional personal details pending family notification [1]. The presence of a firearm wound, rather than injuries typical of a vehicular collision, led investigators to focus on a possible shooting motive [1].
Pierce County Sheriff’s Office Classifies Incident as Homicide Pierce County Sheriff’s Office assumed lead investigative authority, treating the crash as a homicide case [1]. Investigators are working to determine what triggered the road‑rage confrontation that allegedly resulted in the shooting [1]. The department emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that evidence collection is a priority [1].
Authorities Have Not Detained Any Suspects Yet As of the report’s publication, no arrests have been made and no individuals are in custody related to the shooting [1]. Police have not disclosed any leads or potential suspects, stating that the search for the responsible party continues [1]. The lack of immediate detentions underscores the early stage of the homicide probe [1].
Investigation Continues Amid Unclear Motive and Circumstances Law enforcement officials have withheld details about the events leading up to the gunshot and any possible motive [1]. The sheriff’s office indicated that additional information will be released as the investigation progresses [1]. Community members are urged to contact authorities with any relevant observations or evidence [1].
Timeline
Dec 5, 2025 – A 14‑year‑old boy is shot in the head while driving a Kia Sportage that had earlier collided near 64th Street and McKinley Avenue in south Tacoma; the vehicle crashes and the teen remains in critical condition, prompting a homicide investigation by Tacoma Police [4].
Dec 5, 2025 – The teen later dies at a hospital after responders find him inside the crashed vehicle and transport him, leading police to treat the case as a homicide and to announce a $5,000 reward for information [3].
Dec 6, 2025 – An adult male surrenders to detectives, is booked into Pierce County Jail on suspicion of first‑degree murder, and investigators recover a firearm that matches the crime‑scene ammunition, while the Youth Peace and Justice Foundation offers a $5,000 reward for tips [3].
Dec 8, 2025 – Nicholas Badger Prather, 42, is formally charged with first‑degree murder for the Dec 5 road‑rage shooting that killed the 14‑year‑old; prosecutors say a single shot from his Chevrolet Silverado hits the teen as the vehicles pass a red light, and Prather remains jailed awaiting a court appearance scheduled for the following Monday [2].
Jan 31, 2026 – Deputies respond at about 10:16 p.m. to a single‑car collision on Military Road East in Tacoma where a 21‑year‑old driver is found with a fatal gunshot wound; the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office opens a homicide investigation, but no suspects are in custody as of the report [1].