Tributes paid to ‘loving family man’ Brit who was ‘shot multiple times’ in the US as police launch manhunt for ‘murderer’
Jamie Thomas Stephen Lomas, a 26-year-old man from Manchester, was shot dead at a home near Kent, Washington, after what police described as a domestic disturbance. His death has been ruled a homicide, and relatives have paid tribute to him as a loving family man while detectives continue to investigate with no arrests made. The case matters because a British national has been killed abroad and authorities in both countries are supporting the family.
The shooting occurred at about 12.20pm on 22 August at a property on the 23000 block of 156th Avenue South-East, near Lake Youngs. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office said Mr Lomas died from multiple gunshot wounds. His family has launched a fundraising appeal to repatriate his body to the UK and cover funeral costs; it had raised £7,200 from 191 donations towards a £10,000 target.
- British man, 26, killed in Washington state shooting
- Police have made no arrests
- Family is fundraising to bring him home
New here? Start with this
Washington state is on the west coast of the United States, and Kent is a city south of Seattle in King County. Local police and the county medical examiner investigate sudden or suspicious deaths there, with the medical examiner determining the medical cause and manner of death.
A homicide ruling means investigators believe a person died as a result of another person’s actions; it does not by itself identify a suspect or establish guilt. Detectives may gather evidence and speak to witnesses before deciding whether anyone should be arrested or charged.
When a British citizen dies overseas, the Foreign Office can provide consular support to relatives, although local authorities lead the criminal investigation. Returning someone’s body to the UK can involve specialist transport and paperwork, which can add significant costs for families.