Tacoma police seek 2 suspects in New Year's Day fatal shooting

Family heartbroken, 2 suspect sought in Tacoma fatal shooting

A family is torn apart, and the search for two suspects continues in a senseless and cruel case of gun violence in Tacoma.

TACOMA, Wash. - A family is torn apart, and the search for two suspects continues in a senseless and cruel case of gun violence in Tacoma.

Geno Saunders III died after being shot outside a house party along East Grandview Avenue and East 35th Street on New Year's Day.

Geno Saunders III

Tacoma police say Kai Brinson and Aiden Terrel Finley jumped the 25-year-old as the party let out, and shot him at close range following a struggle.

Geno did not know them. Both suspects are wanted for murder.

Barkei Ben Israel "Kai" Brinson (left), Aiden Terrel Finley (right), suspects in the fatal shooting of Geno Saunders III.

Geno's mother and loved ones are hoping the public can help give her son a funeral service who celebrates who he was.

"He had a beautiful soul," said Cassie Mann, Geno's mom. "He wanted to have a family of his own, one day. And he loved doing music."

Geno was a talented musician and was hoping to make it in the music business as a songwriter, rapper and producer.

"Everywhere he went, he just made everybody smile" said Destiny Weems, Geno's aunt. "He had that warm feeling about him that shined. He always stood out, no matter where he went, he stood out."

While police search for the two wanted suspects, Geno's family has started an online fundraiser to pay for his funeral costs.

"We want to give my son Geno a respectful service that celebrates who he was and how much he was loved by everyone. Geno was a bright spark who touched so many lives. He was such an amazing, loving, caring, and kindhearted person. He loved music and made many tracks which he put on YouTube, hoping one day he would make it in the music industry. Geno was fun to be around; he made me a first-time mother and taught me how to be one at 18 years old. He loved family and was hoping one day he would have his own little family. We all were so blessed to have him in our lives for as long as we did," writes Cassie Mann.

If you have any information to help locate the suspects, please submit an anonymous tip via the P3 Tips app that you can download to your cell phone for free, submit a tip online or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Search for 2 Tacoma homicide suspects

As Tacoma police continue to search for two suspects in their first murder of 2026, the victim's mother is oping the public can help give her son a funeral service that celebrates who he was.

MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE

Trump announces federal funding cuts for sanctuary cities and states, including WA

WSDOT estimates $40-50 million to repair Washington roads after historic flooding

Thurston County death investigation upgraded to homicide, suspect in custody

Gov. Ferguson calls for millionaires’ tax in State of the State address

Report reveals which Costco items can pay for the annual membership

To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.

Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.