Tacoma teen charged with first-degree murder in Kent shooting death
Feb 13, 2025, 9:25 AM | Updated: 4:59 pm
A gavel. (Photo: Joe Gratz via Flickr Creative Commons)
(Photo: Joe Gratz via Flickr Creative Commons)
A Tacoma teen, 17, was charged with first-degree murder Wednesday, accused of shooting at a stopped car in Kent, killing the driver.
King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion has formally charged Prince J. Mayamba with first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree.
The charges are in connection with the shooting death of Khamal Joel Blissitt on Nov. 21, 2024.
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According to court documents, Mayamba, “with premeditated intent,” caused the death of Blissitt by firing multiple shots into his vehicle in Kent, Washington. Blissitt died on the same day. Additionally, Mayamba, who was 16 at the time, was found in possession of a handgun, which he was not legally permitted to own or control. Law enforcement isn’t saying why Mayamba allegedly shot Blissitt or how they came to the conclusion the shooting was premeditated.
Mayamba was charged as an adult and faces up to life in prison if convicted.
A warrant was issued for Mayamba’s arrest on Jan. 15. An affidavit said Mayamba was booked into the King County Juvenile Detention Center after he was taken to a hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg.
Bill Kaczaraba is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read his stories here. Follow Bill on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email him here.
