Police: Shooting Suspect Mistook Victim For Rival Gang Member

LAKEWOOD, WA — Just after midnight on September 28, 17-year-old Damoni Nelson was shot and killed in Lakewood. Now, after weeks of investigation, police say it's likely Nelson's killer didn't know him at all, and may have mistaken him for someone else.

The shooting happened just before 1 a.m. at the Gravelly Lake Townhomes just off of Pacific Highway.

Witnesses told police a vehicle pulled into the Townhomes parking lot and opened fire at Nelson. One shot hit Nelson in the head, critically injuring him. The car then drover off. A witness on scene began to rush Nelson to a nearby hospital— until Washington State Patrol troopers caught up with them on I-5 near 38th, and took Nelson the rest of the way.

Unfortunately, Nelson died from his gunshot wounds several days later on October 2.

Lakewood Police say following his death officers worked "exhaustively" and identified a suspect they think was behind the shooting: 29-year-old Justin Coleman. Officers say they believe Coleman "likely mistook the victim for a rival gang member" when in fact Nelson was not involved in any gangs, and did not have any criminal affiliations or connects with Coleman.

Coleman was arrested on October 6. He has been booked into the Pierce County Jail and charged with murder, drive by shooting, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Meanwhile, the community continues to mourn the loss of Nelson. Officers say he was a Federal High School Student "with a bright future" ahead of him.