A British man has been shot dead in the United States, prompting a murder investigation by police in Washington State. Jamie Thomas Stephen Lomas, 26, originally from Manchester, suffered multiple gunshot wounds at a home in Lake Youngs.
The incident occurred on August 22, about 17 miles outside Seattle, the largest city in Washington State on America's western coast. The death is now being treated as a homicide by police in Washington State, according to the Daily Star.
Investigation underway
The King County Sheriff's Office said senior detectives from Seattle's major crimes unit will take over the inquiry. No arrests have been made so far.
A representative from the 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."
Family tribute and repatriation efforts
A Foreign Office spokesman told the Daily Express that it is supporting the family of a British man who died in the USA. "[We] are in contact with local authorities," the FDCO spokesperson added regarding the US police investigation.
Lomas' family have posted a tribute to their departed son online and are working to bring Jamie's body home to Manchester for a proper farewell. A statement shared via a GoFundMe account to help cover costs reads: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we are asking for your help to bring our Jamie home from America to Manchester."
"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 said all they now want is to see Jamie brought home to the UK "where he belongs so that we can lay him to rest and give him the goodbye he deserves". Donations can be made via the GoFundMe page.
