Gig Harbor shooting might have been in retaliation for 2021 homicide, charges say

Demondrae Jones, 20, and Rocco Anthony Fanara, 19, have been charged with first-degree assault and drive-by shooting following a June 2023 incident in Gig Harbor that may be tied to gang-related retaliation for the 2021 murder of Tyrone Sero. The victims, who are siblings of Kannon Anthony Stephens—one of the convicted murderers—were allegedly targeted due to ongoing conflicts between their family and a group from Port Orchard. On the night of the shooting, the siblings reported being aggressively followed after leaving a Chipotle Grill, leading to the attack where shots were fired at their vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Surveillance footage reportedly confirmed the involvement of Jones and Fanara, and ballistics evidence linked Fanara to the crime scene.

Both men entered not guilty pleas during their arraignment, with bail set at $500,000. The case highlights the continuing violence associated with gang disputes in the region. As the judicial process unfolds, the community remains on edge regarding gang-related violence.