Within the first twenty-four hours of 2012, Tacoma had its first homicide of the year. A month earlier, 25-year-old Michelle Davis had broken up with her boyfriend. Since that time, she’d told friends and relatives that he’d been stalking her. She was afraid enough that she stayed over at her sister’s house on East 84th and D Street on New Year’s Day. Around 11:30pm her ex-boyfriend got into the house and shot Michelle Davis while she slept. Michelle’s sister escaped through a window with a young child. Her sister’s boyfriend was shot eleven times and is currently in the hospital. Her ex then left the house. He was found in the school yard of Larchmont Elementary the next morning with a self inflicted gunshot wound.
Tacoma’s East Side has always had its share of violence, but the truth is that this sort of thing can happen in any neighborhood. I don’t know the particulars of Michelle’s relationship with her ex. I know that volatile relationships are all too common regardless of who you are or where you live. Getting away from the situation is the best thing you can do. From the sounds of things, that’s exactly what Michelle was trying to do.
In Seattle, on Christmas Eve, a school teacher was killed by her violent ex. These domestic homicides are becoming all too common. Sadly, there isn’t a lot to be done about it. Restraining orders won’t stop someone with homicidal urges from killing. They help get them arrested, but that’s about all they do.
Relatives say that Michelle had an eight-year-old daughter, which makes this all the more tragic. As always, the comments section below is reserved for those who knew Michelle and want to post their memories or condolences.
– Jack Cameron
tacomastories.com 
I went to school with Michelle, she was one of the most happy high spirited people I have known, I don’t think I ever seen her not happy. It is so sad that she was trying to get away and as a result her life was taken at such a young age, and now her daughter has no Mother, heartbreaking to say the least. My heart goes out to her family, Denise please get a hold of me if you need help with anything.
Melissa
My family appreciates your kind words and thoughtfulness.
Michelle had a very nurturing spirit, she was fun, and great to talk to. I am very sorry to hear that this happened to such a wonderful family. Marlene took me to get food when i had none to feed my kids, the girls helped me take care of my kids when i had to make a living for them. I will never forget what you guys did for me and my girls yet it was so long ago. I love you, and Dee Dee please call me, msg me on fb diana salazar. lots of love your way.
For some reason this Christmas I was thinking about Marlene and the girls. We missed you volunteering. This is so sad. My heart goes out to you and your family Marlene. I am still working at the same place. Contact me if you need me.
Michelle was and extended daughter to me. She was just at my house on the 23rd of Dec. showing me what she had got for her daughter. She was also talking about moving out of state, a southern state. Just to start a new life but the love she had for her daughter kept her here. Her smile and laugh could light up a room. She was telling me over and over “I love you ma”. What if.. That is what I keep asking myself. I should have done more then maybe she would be right next to me laughing and playing around like she has always been know for. I miss her and regret that I didn’t spend more time with such a lovely person.
MICHELLE, WAS THE HAPPIEST PERSON I HAD EVER MET . SHES LOVED & MISSED
Michelle was a loving caring mother that loved her fam an her daughter very much this is the father of her daughter an i wanna say my daughter misses her verry much an crys all the time she diddnt deserve to die the way she did she will be missed
This is Michelle’s older sister, Cynthia. Her life was not without purpose. I am saddened with the loss of my baby sister, yet finding solace in her peace. To my niece, someday you will understand her life and I am her for all your cries. Love you all.
i love you aunt michelle i will never forget you, when you would stay at the house you would always be happy and you would trie n make everyone as happy as you, you always spent more time with the kids then you did the adults ,n that would always make me laugh .. i love you soo much i think about you all the time but i never cry because i know that you would want me to be happy.. R.I.P aunty michelle youe are missed
Michelle, Cecilia is looking more and more like you. I tell her all the time how pretty she is and is lucky she got your good jeans.. 🙂 She talks about you all the time and misses you verymuch. She dosent cry as much because I told her you wouldnt want her to be sad and that you are her angel. R.I.P. Michelle….
I miss you sissy !!! Rip please protect and wrap your wings over LaLa. Love you
I am happy that people’s hearts could see her happy spirit. I know she went to heaven. Michelle was 2 months pregnant, so she went to heaven with her baby within her. Her love of her life, solo, masten, was waitig for her on the other side, taking her to heaven with them all 3 as a new family. Hugs and kisses to all whom remembered Michelle, so sweet Marlene, Mom
Rip. Sweet soul