Emerald Queen Casino Murder Suspect Still on Run: Manhunt Intensifies

Posted on: June 19, 2025, 07:39h. 

Last updated on: June 19, 2025, 10:49h.

Philip Conneller @casinoorgphilc Read More
Expertise: Gaming Business, Regulation, Tribal Gaming.
  • US Marshals lead hunt for suspected Tacoma shooter
  • Suspect linked to gang feud and prior violent crimes
  • Casino surveillance helped identify key evidence in case

 US Marshals and local police are intensifying efforts to find a man accused of the 2020 fatal shooting of a rival gang member at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Wash.

Elijah Hylton, Tacoma casino shooting, Emerald Queen Casino, US Marshals fugitive, gang-related murder, Ty Jenkins
Elijah Hylton is suspected of murdering Ty Jenkins, a rival gang member at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Wash., in February 2020. Police say he is dangerous and likely armed. (Image: Tacoma Police Department)

Elijah Dominick Hylton, 29, is wanted on a first-degree murder warrant issued in January 2023 after investigators determined he killed Ty Jenkins, 25, on the second floor of the casino’s parking garage.

The incident occurred at around 10 pm on Aug. 8, 2020, following an altercation on the gaming floor. Surveillance footage shows the suspect exiting the casino and shooting the victim, before speeding off in a red Toyota Corolla.

Getaway Driver Charged

In 2022, deputies arrested Hylton’s brother, David Sekou Sebowa Ward, also 29, believed to be the getaway driver. Authorities say Ward has since been charged with first-degree murder and is currently in custody awaiting trial.

Prosecutors suspect it was a revenge shooting, and that Hylton and Jenkins were rival gang members. Hylton is believed to be a member of a local Crips gang.

When officers searched the victim’s vehicle, they discovered a 9 mm pistol and a rifle. Ballistics testing revealed the pistol had been used in at least four earlier shootings in the area, as well as in another homicide, according to police.

Investigators believe Jenkins had been the victim of a robbery during a gun sale earlier that year. Hylton is believed to have taken part in the deal, authorities said.

In July 2020, two men were shot in what appeared to be a retaliatory attack for the robbery, and shell casings recovered at the scene matched those fired from Jenkins’ 9 mm pistol.

‘Armed and Dangerous’

Police identified Hylton from casino security video that showed the Emerald Queen shooter was wearing four large rings on his left hand, which they matched to images of the suspect taken from social media.

A man fitting Hylton’s description pawned the rings locally shortly after the shooting. Police later seized the rings as evidence in the case.

Hylton is described as approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing around 160 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. Investigators believe he may still be in the Puget Sound region but haven’t ruled out that he could have fled the area.

Police say he is dangerous, likely armed, and should not be approached by members of the public. Anyone who sees him should immediately call 911 or contact the Marshals at 1‑877‑WANTED‑2 (1‑877‑926‑8332) or Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑222‑8477.