Bail set at $2 million for Tacoma teen accused of murder
TACOMA, Wash. -- A Tacoma teenager wanted in connection with a November attempted robbery and murder is now behind bars.
Prosecutors believe 16-year-old James Stimson, Jr. shot and killed a 45-year-old man after a botched robbery in South Tacoma. Stimson was arrested on Sunday and arraigned Monday on charges of first degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Police say the shooting victim was out looking for his dog in the early morning hours of Nov. 18 when he ran into Stimson and 16-year-old Marcus Langford in the parking lot of a convenience store.
The teens are accused of demanding money and then shooting the victim as he sat in his pickup truck. The man managed to drive two blocks before losing control and crashing.
According to Langford, who was arrested and arraigned in late November, he and Stimson were talking to the victim when Stimson pulled out a gun and demanded money from the victim. When the man laughed and tried to grab the gun, Stimon shot him, according to prosecutors.
After his arrest, police say Stimson denied trying to rob the victim but admitted to shooting him. He allegedly told detectives the man "charged at him," so he pulled out a .380 semiautomatic pistol and shot him. The teen also admitted to dismantling the gun after the shooting and dumping its parts in several locations.
Both teens are admitted gang members and both being charged as adults. Stimson's bail was set at $2 million.
Prosecutors believe 16-year-old James Stimson, Jr. shot and killed a 45-year-old man after a botched robbery in South Tacoma. Stimson was arrested on Sunday and arraigned Monday on charges of first degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Police say the shooting victim was out looking for his dog in the early morning hours of Nov. 18 when he ran into Stimson and 16-year-old Marcus Langford in the parking lot of a convenience store.
The teens are accused of demanding money and then shooting the victim as he sat in his pickup truck. The man managed to drive two blocks before losing control and crashing.
According to Langford, who was arrested and arraigned in late November, he and Stimson were talking to the victim when Stimson pulled out a gun and demanded money from the victim. When the man laughed and tried to grab the gun, Stimon shot him, according to prosecutors.
After his arrest, police say Stimson denied trying to rob the victim but admitted to shooting him. He allegedly told detectives the man "charged at him," so he pulled out a .380 semiautomatic pistol and shot him. The teen also admitted to dismantling the gun after the shooting and dumping its parts in several locations.
Both teens are admitted gang members and both being charged as adults. Stimson's bail was set at $2 million.
16 is plenty old to know that shooting somebody is wrong.
What a tragic loss of life and a tragic waste of two young lives. Absolutely senseless.
We need gang control now. No one really needs to have then around. The government will protect us, just call the police. Maybe Burdick can introduce a bill to limit the capacity of Crips, ..um.. Clips...um... Gangs. Lets make a law, that will stop illegal activity. Just for the slow readers, that was sarcasm. In reality, this Is just terrible. Another punk, killing an innocent person. When are we going to do something bout these crap heads. So many young people out of control with no moral compass.
 @MMRoach they need to make the punishments stricter even if someone gets sentenced to death they sit on death row for years and years before they actually pay for their actions and all at the cost of taxpayers money. If the punishments were harder maybe people would consider that before they take someone else's life that theirs will be taken just as quick as well. straight to the point that is how it should be especially in cases where they admit to it but plead insanity, I mean I am all for mental illness and getting them the help and resources they need but we have all that and clearly its not working. The government wanted population control well they certainly got it.
Like I said, things are going to get a heck of a lot worse. Moral Compass is gone.
@lee986321 Okay now I'm scared. You and I were thinking the same thing at the same time.
Just more proof that society is falling apart.
So now he'll be housed, fed, entertained and cared for for the rest of his life.
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Gosh...maybe that's the solution instead of retirement. 3 meals a day, free medical & dental care, a place to sleep, lots to read, TV, etc.
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It's amazing how our worst criminals often have a better life than many who have been honest, upstanding citizens.
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He admitted to shooting the 45 year old. Well that will help. You sir are going away for a real,real long time.
A rabid dog is not age specific. This kid has no redemption quality whatsoever. For every problem this punk has we can find hundreds who struggle through stupid, idiotic parents and go on to lead somewhat useful lives.  Until we quit feeling "sad" about kids like this and give them the death penalty, they will continue to breed and want everyone to "feel sorry for them" and they we have another Newtown. Mommy felt sorry for Jr., and there ya go!
16 years old, and that kid already has the cold, empty eyes of a sociopath... Â That is not a pre-judgment of his guilt or innocence; he is, after all, presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Â Â But that look, added to his admitted gang affiliation, just seems to add up to a young life that is probably pretty much ruined... how awfully sad...
This child not only ended one life, he's effectively set the course for his own by one action that could have easily been averted had his parent, or parents undertaken what should have been the simplest of paternal duties. Teaching their child right from wrong.Â
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Of course, that scale is constantly evolving in societies mind and values. If his victim was anglo, I'm sure it was his or societies fault. Definately not a 'hate' crime. He just shot him because he wanted money, that's somehow better. Wonder if President Obama will have a press confrence to tell the media that James Stimson, Jr could be his son?
@MarkKpic
 I definitely agree with your first premise, "Teaching their child right from wrong."
My parents did that for me, as did most of the parents of my peers, but . . . . . . . Â
A parent is a person who understands right from wrong and can therefore (presumably!) teach such basics to progeny. Â This punk likely had no one who could help him in this regard.
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 @Gravity Works! As a sociology prof once commented to me, there are 3 options.
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The parents were either;
a) Unwilling (too busy with drugs/work/social to be bothered with such tasks)
b) Unable (child was mentally ill/Fetal Alcohol syndrome/born drug addicted)
or c) Incapable (as you eluded to, they themselves have no moral 'compass' from which to guide the child)
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It's really sad to me how often I, personally, have seen such instances. From my involvement with DHS to the judicial system to schools (volunteering), it simply leaves me awe stricken how often kids are not corrected in their behavioral patterns before they become habits or personality traits. At some level, there simply HAS to be a 'little voice' screaming at the parents that their kid is growing up to be a ward of the state... and yet, they do nothing of substance to correct it. Instead, they excuse the behavior, assign blame, or defend the behaviors.
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...and, they end up like this young man.
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Sad state of affairs, that's for sure. Â
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 @MarkKpic Well, I *alluded* to, yes.  I agree with your whole statement, having seen the results of such "parenting".Â
One of the jey phrases in the charges was "unlawful possession of a firearm". I guess you can pass all the gun laws you want; if the existing ones aren't really enforced, what good are any more?Â
 @jpk Exactly. Plus there are a whole lot of other ways to kill someone if you really put your mind to it. Guns are simply easier. But a hammer, screwdriver, razor blade, 16 penny nail, pencil, broom handle, brick, rock, tire iron, etc., will kill you just as dead.