A Hospital Visit That Ended in Tragedy
On August 6, what should have been an ordinary trip to the hospital became a scene of heartbreak for 18-year-old Jaedyn Williams and those who loved him. Williams, a resident of University Place, went to MultiCare Allenmore Hospital in Tacoma with his girlfriend to seek care for elbow pain. They sat together in the emergency room’s waiting area, unaware that danger was only moments away. Without warning, the quiet was pierced by gunfire. Williams was struck in the torso, his injuries proving fatal despite being in a place dedicated to saving lives. His girlfriend was also wounded. Days later, the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a homicide, marking this day as one of deep grief and injustice.
A Deadly Encounter with No Warning
According to charging documents, 25-year-old Martice Lawon Ryan entered the waiting room with one arm concealed inside his hoodie. He allegedly confronted Williams, accusing him of staring. Williams denied the accusation and said he did not know the man. Without further exchange, Ryan is accused of drawing a firearm and opening fire—hitting both Williams and his girlfriend. The young woman later told investigators she had never met Ryan before and had no prior interaction with him. What began as an uneventful wait for medical care transformed into an unprovoked act of violence in a place meant for healing, leaving the community stunned.
A Father’s Plea for Justice
The loss of Jaedyn Williams has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of his family and friends. During Ryan’s arraignment, Williams’ father stood before Pierce County Court Commissioner Barbara McInvaille and pleaded for justice. “This wasn’t merely a homicide, your honor; this was an act of terror. This incident occurred in a hospital, a place where anyone in this community should feel secure,” he said, his voice heavy with grief and resolve. Ryan is currently being held in the Pierce County Jail without bail, with further hearings set to determine his legal fate.
For the Williams family, no verdict can bring Jaedyn back. His life—a life filled with potential—was stolen in an instant, leaving behind only memories and unanswered questions. For Tacoma, the fact that such a violent act occurred in a hospital is a sobering reminder that no place is entirely safe. The community now rallies for justice, determined that Jaedyn’s story will not fade and that his memory will inspire change, awareness, and a renewed commitment to protecting the innocent.
