Crime & Safety

Detectives Seek Help With Pot-Shop Murder Near JBLM

Pierce County Sheriff's detectives seek help identifying owner of vehicle seen fleeing from murder scene last week.

PARKLAND, WA - Pierce County Sheriff's detectives are trying to find the person who killed Thomas Jefferson outside of a recreational marijuana store here on Nov. 9, and they're asking the public to help identify a vehicle spotted near the scene.

Surveillance video captured a white minivan that they suspect belongs to the person responsible for Jefferson's death. Near 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 9, Jefferson was found unconscious on the sidewalk outside of The Gallery, a pot shop along Pacific Avenue S.

Just before he was found unconscious, Jefferson was seen talking to and shaking hands with the driver of the van - a Chrysler Town & Country model from the mid-2000s. The driver was then seen exiting the vehicle and striking Jefferson.

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Jefferson died from his injuries on Nov. 15. If you recognize the van, contact the Tacoma-Pierce County Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 1-800-222-TIPS.

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