It was a little after 1:00am early Sunday morning when neighbors heard the gunshots. Police arrived around 1:15am near the corner of East T and East Morton Street. They found 30-year-old Preston Stafford shot in the abdomen. Preston was transported to a local hospital where he died five hours later.
It turns out Preston had been waiting for a ride. He had contacted a woman for a ride, but when the car arrived, her boyfriend was driving. Her boyfriend said something about Preston owing him $50 and shot him.
Preston becomes the fourteenth Tacoma homicide this year and the third homicide this year on Tacoma’s East Side. Contrary to initial reports, Preston was not homeless at the time of his murder. The following day Tacoma Police arrested the 40-year-old woman and the 38-year-old man in connection with his murder.
Preston was well liked and enjoyed joking around and supporting the Seahawks. In other words, he was a lot like many of us.
As always, the comments section is reserved for those who want to share memories or thoughts about Preston. The comment section is moderated and inappropriate comments will not be accepted.
It is my hope that this is the last homicide I have to write about this year.
– Jack Cameron
tacomastories.com 
Had I known my old school friend was homeless I would have brought him in! He was a caring person and a father, son a brother a WARRIOR!
Until we meet again brother HOYT✊
He was not homeless. TNT retacted that.
Preston was my friend. My daughter’s father. He was an amazing human being who had a contagious smile and laugh. He had a way about to brighten a room. I love and miss you so much Preston!!!!
So so sorry for your guys loss. I haven’t seen preston since we were kids, but he is my uncle Rogers nephew. He and his family are considered family. My condolences hunny. Stay strong! #FlyHighPreston
Praying for Prestons family! And praying justice will be served!
So sad! I went to school with him. Seems like a life time ago but he was very well liked in school
Preston was my best friend and did not deserve this at all. His sister passed away on may 10 this year and now him this is a very hard time he was loved and liked by many.R.I.P BROTHER AND BEST FRIEND I LOVE YOU
Preston assured me last week that he was NOT homeless. I corrected TNT on that.
Thanks for the information. I’ve updated the post to reflect that.
I grew up with Preston and I can say nothing but good things about him. He was such a big guy with a big heart, truly a kind soul. My heart goes out to his kids, Marshall, his father, his entire family. Rest in Paradise Preston, love you❤️
He became a very good friend to me the past 9 months he talked about how much he loved his children how much he loved his girlfriend and was just a very positive guy. I will miss him checking on me here and there to see if I am ok. He was a good guy and he will be greatly missed.
Preston was an absolutely amazing person and a hella cool friend to so many people. .. always smiling and usually willing to go out of his way to help out as much as he could, when he could… it’s just a terribly tragic situation all the way around for everyone involved. .. even worse, for their children and the rest of their family members
Preston was a nice guy, I’m sad to hear this. RIP man.
I love u preston .. Preston was a loving big brother to me.. He was not homeless he lived out here in Lakewood with me and my boyfriend in my studio apt. Im so mind struck that hes gone home will never be the same.. I miss u bro love your sista Tiffany LaPlante and bro Jarvis… Till we meet again.. Lobsaboot hoyt
That’s heart breaking. Preston was a good man father and friend. Rip u will be greatly missed by many of us
Thank You All for your Comments, Very much Appreciated!!!
Yes he was an Amazing Person with the Biggest’ Heart!
Preston Only seen the Good In People, That’s just who he was!
It’s Truly Heartbreaking, He left Behind 3 Beautiful Kids, Prestons Legacy’s!
Also Brothers, Sisters, Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, a Very Large Family and Extended Family. FRIENDS , Too Many to mention All! GirlFriends, Ex’s, Wanna Be’s😊, you know who you are!!
He Left Behind His Father and His Mother! No Parent should ever have to. BURY their Child but unfortunately because of Jealously that’s what has Occurred !! THE Punishment that was Given to the Shooter Himself was Appropriate for now I guess!! As for the Others Involved YOU KNOW WHO YOU All’ ARE, That’s Your Judgement Day Waiting for your time to Run Out!
And Thank You God!!
We Lost a Loving Soul Like No Other and He Is Missed Every Single Second Of EveryDay!! Memories is what we are left with but Also Left with the Genuine Love Preston had for Us. Again Thank You for your Comments!
His Mom💙💚Sheryl
I was one of Prestons best friends i am his girlfriends granddaughter i loved him so much and i miss him more now then ever R.I.P.I love u preston
Gianna Elaine how wonderful this is to see your remembering Our Preston…he adored you and was always excited as I was to pick you up and stay the night weekend or week with us.He made a snack drawer next to his chair at our home, that was his secret stash for all the goodies he would get us for when we put movies on or played video games,but of course you just had to know what he had in there LOL!He pretended to have a sad face because some of his candies were much enjoyed by you Gianna.haha.But you were too little.to know that when we went shopping he picked out the things you liked most! He loved to tease you that I was “His Lala” him scooping you up,giving you the biggest hugs and kisses and laughing that I was his and yours Lala!!!That I was…The best of times for us. so many days and nights filled with love,laughter,adventures,roadtrips,taking us shopping and out to so many different restaurants,he truly enjoyed seeing us eat LOL.My life hasn’t not been right since they decided your fate and the rest of my life without you.Ive never missed someone so much and been more lonesome than any girl should ever be.I love you Preston Stafford I think of you every day.Thank you for loving my Gianna like she was your own. for all the love you gave to me thru good times and bad..Thank you Heavenly Father for letting Preston and I have the years we did.I miss everything about us,especially when the sun is setting at Titlow beach sitting on our bench tears rolling down my checks and across a small smile remembering …I’ll be seeing you Baby…Love “Your Lala”♡☆♡