TACOMA, WA – The Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office charged Jordan Boshears, 22, and Addison Bishop, 26, with murder in the second degree for the death of Tyler Zimmerman. Zimmerman, 27, was stabbed in the back after a drug deal involving mushrooms went bad.
“This is an unusual and tragic case," said Prosecutor Mark Lindquist. "But buying and selling illegal drugs can be a dangerous business."
On February 21, 2018, officers responded to a residence on South Fawcett Avenue in Tacoma following 911 reports of a stabbing. Upon arrival officers found Tyler Zimmerman lying on his back in the front yard. First responders determined Zimmerman had a stab wound to his back. Zimmerman was transported to the hospital, but died from his injuries.
Officers contacted the witness that called 911. He initially said Zimmerman was a friend of his and that Zimmerman had been at his house that evening.
Zimmerman invited Bishop to the house as well. Bishop arrived with Jordan Boshears. The witness said Zimmerman and Bishop began arguing over the drug deal. The argument turned into a physical altercation between Zimmerman and Bishop, and Boshears fled the residence. The physical altercation spilled into the front yard. Zimmerman, according to the witness, said, “Ow, what did you hit me with? What did you hit me with?” Zimmerman then collapsed.
Detectives learned, after examining cell phones, that the witness and Zimmerman had contacted Bishop and Boshears in an effort to purchase mushrooms for $300. The witness told detectives the he and Zimmerman gave Bishop and Boshears the $300, but they did not want to go through with the drug deal once they saw the mushrooms. He said he wanted the money back and gave the mushrooms back to Bishop, but Bishop would not give the money back and the fight ensued.
Bishop and Boshears were arrested and both provided video recorded statements about the drug deal and the stabbing.
Charges are only allegations and a person is presumed innocent unless he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
For more information, please contact James Lynch at (253) 798-6265, [email protected].