First court appearance for suspect in Tacoma quadruple homicide

TACOMA, Wash. — The suspect from a mass shooting in Tacoma appeared in court for the first time on Monday.

22-year-old Maleke Dominique Pate faced four counts of first-degree aggravated murder for the deaths of 42-year-old Maria Nunez, 19-year-old Emery Iese, 22-year-old Raymond Williams, and 22-year-old Natasha Brincefield.

Nunez, Iese, and Williams were all related. Brincefield was in a relationship with Williams.

Pate was originally set to be arraigned on Monday, but a Pierce County judge authorized a mental health evaluation that will delay arraignment. While the judge did find probable cause during the hearing, a doctor will now evaluate Pate. On Nov. 15, the physician will report to the court whether or not Pate is competent enough to be charged.

The evaluation will take place at the Pierce County jail, where Pate will continue to be held without bail. He was also ordered to not have any contact with family members of the victims.

Pate lived in the same Salishan neighborhood where the shooting took place, according to court documents. Detectives found matching clothing, ammunition, and a handgun believed to be used during the shooting at Pate’s home.

Detectives were unable to determine a motive, finding little to no association between Pate and the victims. Detectives confirmed the victims were not associated with any gangs or drugs. They also did not find any evidence of a robbery.

A memorial service for all four victims is set for Nov.10. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the Iese family with funeral costs.

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