Handy Corner Homicide: Suspects' Car Found Outside Pierce County

PUYALLUP, WA — As community members continue to mourn slain Handy Corner Food Store owner Soon Ja Nam, Pierce County investigators push closer to apprehending her attackers.

In a tweet shared Sunday night, the Pierce County Sheriff's Department announced the recovery of the suspects' getaway car: a gray Nissan Sentra; it was reportedly located outside Pierce County.

All that remains is to identify and arrest the two men allegedly responsible for Nam's death and the robbery of her local convenience store.

The suspects are described as black men with dark complexions who are likely in their 20s. Both suspects appeared to be around 6 feet tall and roughly 200 pounds, police said, adding that both men wore beanies and surgical-style masks during the robbery.

The robbery and murder reportedly occurred just after 5 p.m. April 28 at the Handy Corner Food Store, located at 8009 112th St. E. in Puyallup.

According to sheriff's officials, the two men entered the store, drew their handguns, and demanded money from the register. After Nam gave up the cash, one of the robbers followed her toward the store's office where he shot the 79-year-old in the back, killing her.

The shooter was reportedly wearing a gray hoodie, black sweatpants, and gray sneakers. The other suspect reportedly had a scruffy-looking beard and was wearing a blue hoodie, gray sweatpants, and white sneakers.

Anyone with information on either suspect or the robbery is encouraged to call the Pierce County Sheriff's Department at 253-798-7530.

Additionally, tipsters can contact Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound for a chance at a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest. Call 800-222-TIPS, or submit tips by using the P3 Tips app.

The reward was previously set at $1,000, but donations from the community made it possible to increase the value, official said on social media.

On Sunday night, the community gathered around the popular market for a candlelight vigil honoring Nam and her longtime commitment to the neighborhood.

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