Dustin Carter, 49, Tragically Dies Following Fatal Shooting in South Tacoma, WA
Dustin Carter, a 49-year-old resident of Gig Harbor, tragically passed away on September 21, 2025, after sustaining a gunshot wound during a shooting incident in South Tacoma. The Pierce County Medical Examiner confirmed that the cause of death was a chest wound from the gunshot, and the death has been officially classified as a homicide.
According to Tacoma police, Carter was found lying beside a red van in an alleyway between South Warner Street and Puget Sound Avenue, just a few blocks from South Tacoma Way. Officers arrived after a 911 call reported shots fired, and they discovered Carter alongside another man who was in critical condition from a similar gunshot wound.
Carter was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The third person involved in the shooting, identified as 28-year-old Donovan Bailey O'Neal, was later apprehended and was reported to have sustained gunshot wounds as well. O'Neal faces charges, including second-degree murder and first-degree assault.
The loss of Dustin Carter has left his loved ones and the local community heartbroken. Funeral and memorial details will be shared at a later time.
Related