Nicholas Serra’s unsolved murder: Family still searching for closure 3 years later
Jun 25, 2026, 5:00 AM
The family of Nicholas “Nick” Serra is still pleading for answers after the 26-year-old was found beaten to death at the Winton Woods Apartments in Poulsbo in October 2023.
Nick’s uncle, Tom Rice, told KIRO Newsradio he was stunned when the coroner arrived at his home on October 15, 2023.
“That was very disturbing and shocking,” Rice said. “I was not expecting that. Nick was only 26 years old.”
Rice said the coroner told him Nicholas had been severely beaten and made it clear this was not something Nick could have done to himself. Despite that, there are still no confirmed suspects.
“There was one gentleman … he had actually almost confessed and said he had done it, but they discounted that,” Rice said. “Other than that, I don’t know of any other suspects.”
Rice described his nephew as a kind, soft-spoken young man who loved classic rock, learned guitar after seeing his uncle play, and enjoyed crabbing, clam digging, and helping around the house after moving from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest.
Nick had been saving for a work visa to move to Australia, a dream trip that never happened — at least not while he was alive. Earlier this year, his mother and aunt took his ashes to Australia to honor that dream.
The loss has devastated the family. Rice said even after a lifetime of hardship, this trauma “hurts the worst.” Nick’s 93-year-old grandmother fell into a deep depression, but is slowly recovering with the help of therapy, church support, and Nick’s sister, Gina.
Now, the family is focused on one thing: finding out who killed Nick.
“If you know anything, please, please do come forward,” Rice said. “We’d like to get some closure on this and give everyone a little comfort.”
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$8K reward in place
There is an $8,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and charges, offered with support from Crimestoppers of Puget Sound. Executive Director Jim Fuda explains how anonymous tips can still make a difference in bringing justice for Nicholas Serra.
“Somebody might have some information that they think might not be relevant,” Fuda said. “Submit to us anyway, because it might be just what the detectives need to put some closure to this case.”
Anyone with information about the beating death of Nicholas Serra is urged to call 911 or Crimestoppers of Puget Sound at (800) 222-TIPS. And remember, you can remain anonymous.
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