A 26-year-old British man has died after being shot multiple times in the United States, with police confirming his death is now being treated as a homicide. A murder investigation has been launched to find those responsible.
Jaime Thomas Stephen Lomas, originally from Manchester, was shot multiple times on August 22. The King County Sheriff's Office has ruled his death a homicide, and major crimes detectives have been assigned to investigate.
No arrests have been made so far.
Police Response and Investigation
A spokesperson for the King County Sheriff's Office said: "On August 22, at about 12:20pm, King County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to a domestic disturbance that had occurred at a residence located on the 23000 block of 156 Ave SE."
"Deputies arrived and secured the scene. No arrests at this time and this remains an active investigation by our major crimes detectives," the spokesperson added.
Family Tribute and Repatriation Efforts
The UK Foreign Office has confirmed it is supporting the man's family during this difficult time and is in contact with local authorities as the investigation continues.
Lomas' family have shared a tribute online and are working to repatriate his body to Manchester so they can say a proper goodbye. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help cover the costs.
"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we are asking for your help to bring our Jamie home from America to Manchester," the statement reads. "Jamie was only 26 years old. He was a loving family man, deeply loved by everyone who knew him. He had so much life ahead of him, and we just cannot believe that we are having to say goodbye to him."
The statement added: "Jamie was tragically murdered in America, and our family has been left completely heartbroken, struggling to come to terms with such a devastating sudden loss. We never imagined we would be in a position where we would have to ask for help like this, especially so soon after [losing] grandad."
The family's focus is on seeing Jamie brought home "where he belongs so that we can lay him to rest and give him the goodbye he deserves, surrounded by his family and loved ones".
