His name was Oscar Blackwater. He was 74 years old. He was one of Tacoma’s homeless population. A friend went looking for him Monday morning. His body was found on a trail in the 3500 block of Pacific Avenue. An autopsy would reveal that he died from blunt force trauma to the head and chest. He was beaten to death on the streets of Tacoma.
Oscar’s death is the sixth homicide in Tacoma this year. His murder is the latest incident in a series of assaults and robberies on Tacoma’s homeless population. One victim stated that he was not only beaten and robbed of valuables but they also stole his pants.
The homeless are among our most vulnerable citizens. Tacoma’s homelessness problem is so significant that the city declared a State of Emergency. New efforts to create more sustainable and safe homeless camps has met with mixed results so far.
At the time of this writing police have no information on the suspect or suspects responsible for Oscar’s murder. Anyone with information on Oscar’s death is asked to contact the Tacoma Police Department.
As always, the comments section is monitored and reserved for those who knew Oscar and want to share memories of him.
UPDATE: CrimeStoppers is offering $1,000 reward to information that leads to the conviction of Oscar’s killer. Anyone with information is urged to call 800-222-TIPS (8477).
UPDATE 2: Oscar’s family is trying to bring his body back home to Arizona. They’ve started a GoFundMe to make this happen. https://www.gofundme.com/bring-home-oscar-blackwater
– Jack Cameron
tacomastories.com 
thank you for mentioning oscar Blackwater, he was a kind soul who wasnt always homeless. I thought Id mention because no one else is,(even though police have been given the possible names of suspects)that within the last three months there have been 4 other serious beatings on the east side. one man was beaten by three me,n within inches of his life; he JUST was released from hospital after 3 months critical care. video played on face
book for a day, suspects still at large. thank you
Thanks for knowing my father as we known him .
I knew Oscar from my time on the streets in 2009-2010. I met him at the old Nativity house back then. He was always up beat and had a smile and laughter in him. At the time I didnt even realize he was homeless..I had assumed that he was just a senior citizen making use of the resources available. When he wasn’t busy reading him and I were partners in many games of hearts, spades, and pinochle. We were a pretty good pair too. Winning far more games than we had lost…he took to writing my name as “Shhhhh” on the score pads…and I affectionately called him “Old Man”…After coming off the streets in April of 2010 and getting back on my feet..I would run into Oscar at bus stops and other locations throughout Tacoma…we would have a shkrt convo and a good laugh before parting ways…I would toss him a single cigarette because he always wanted that 1 smoke for ‘just before bed..and a shot of whiskey’..I am so sorry for your loss..the very little that I knew your father, he was a blessing to me and a highlight to my day whenever I saw him..I wish now I had only emphasized that and let him know.
Shaun Simpson
Hoquiam, Washington
Thank you for pointing out that he wasnt always homeless…I didnt think he was when I met him in2009..but assumed I had been mistaken..
https://www.gofundme.com/bring-home-oscar-blackwater
One of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. I never saw this man harm anyone. So sad to hear this happened 😥