Illegal immigrant deported in 2016 charged with murder in Tacoma after parking lot fight

A previously deported illegal immigrant has been charged with second-degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm after a confrontation in a parking lot in Tacoma, Washington turned deadly.

On Monday, officers arrested 27-year-old Aditan Ramirez Martinez, who is accused of shooting and killing a man at an apartment complex in the middle of the night. According to a witness who was there at the time, Martinez sent the victim a text message asking him to meet in the parking lot. When the witness, who was with the victim in a car, began walking away, a gunshot was heard and the victim grabbed his chest and fell to the ground.

The witness explained that he knew both men, and the three would spend time together socially. In an interview, he explained his belief that Martinez and the victim might have gotten into an argument in the parking lot before the shooting occurred, according to FOX 13 Seattle.

Following his arrest, the Tacoma Police Department verified that Martinez was in the country illegally.

“On August 1, 2024, a 27-year-old male was taken into custody in connection with this case. He has been booked for Murder in the 2nd Degree and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm While Not Being A Citizen of the United States,” said the Tacoma Police Department.

According to prosecutors, Martinez had been deported in 2016 and was banned from entering the country for 20 years after his extradition. His immigration status also made it unlawful for him to possess a firearm. On Friday, Martinez pleaded not guilty to his charges.