SPANAWAY, WASHINGTON — Community Shaken as 18-Year-Old Christopher Lee Cobb Faces Charges in Deadly House Party Shooting That Left Two Teens Dead and Four Injured

The quiet suburban town of Spanaway, Washington remains gripped by grief and unanswered questions following the deadly March 29 shooting at a house party that ended in unimaginable tragedy. This week, the case took a pivotal turn as 18-year-old Christopher Lee Cobb—identified by authorities as the suspected shooter—stood before a Pierce County judge to face multiple felony charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and four counts of attempted murder.

The incident, which took place late on the night of March 29 at a private residence near 160th Street East, unfolded during what was supposed to be a celebratory gathering of local teenagers. The house, reportedly rented through a short-term rental platform, quickly became overcrowded as dozens of high school students and young adults gathered. The festive atmosphere turned to chaos when gunfire erupted shortly before midnight.

According to court documents and police reports, a verbal altercation between several attendees escalated rapidly, leading to Cobb allegedly producing a firearm and opening fire into the crowd. Authorities believe the violence was not random but stemmed from an earlier dispute between Cobb and another partygoer.

The Victims

Two teenagers were fatally shot during the incident: 17-year-old Isaiah “Zay” Thompson and 16-year-old Alana Rivers. Both were high school students with promising futures and beloved within their communities. Isaiah was known for his love of football and had plans to attend college on an athletic scholarship. Alana, a talented artist and honor student, had dreams of studying graphic design and giving back to her community.

Their tragic deaths have left their families and peers devastated. Vigils held in their memory drew hundreds of mourners, including classmates, teachers, and community members who shared memories and lit candles in their honor.

“I just can’t believe he’s gone,” said Isaiah’s cousin, Terrence Martin. “He was the light of our family. He had so much ahead of him, and in one moment, it was stolen.”

Four others, ranging in age from 15 to 18, suffered gunshot wounds and were rushed to nearby hospitals. As of this week, two remain hospitalized in stable condition, while the other two have been discharged and are recovering at home. Officials have not released their names due to their ages and the ongoing investigation.

The Arrest and Court Appearance

Cobb, a high school senior from Federal Way, was taken into custody on April 3 after a multi-agency investigation led authorities to a residence where he was hiding. He was arrested without incident and has since been held at the Pierce County Jail on a $2 million bond.

During Monday’s court appearance, Cobb appeared solemn and spoke little, acknowledging the charges read to him. Prosecutors detailed a timeline of events that allegedly showed Cobb arriving at the party with a weapon and, after a confrontation, firing multiple rounds into the crowd with what witnesses described as a semi-automatic handgun.

Prosecutors are pushing for Cobb to be tried as an adult on all counts, citing the seriousness of the crime, the number of victims, and the evidence collected at the scene, which includes surveillance footage and multiple eyewitness statements.

“The sheer level of violence exhibited in this case is horrifying,” said Deputy Prosecutor Jenna Morales. “We believe this individual posed a danger to the entire community and must be held accountable for his actions.”

Cobb’s public defender requested more time to review the evidence and enter a plea. The judge scheduled a preliminary hearing for later this month.

A Community in Mourning

In the wake of the shooting, community leaders and educators have expressed their heartbreak and called for unity. School counselors have been made available at local high schools, and support groups have been formed for those traumatized by the event.

Spanaway’s Mayor Karen Miller issued a statement expressing sorrow for the victims and pledging support for their families.

“No parent should ever have to bury their child because of senseless violence,” she said. “We must work together as a community to make sure this never happens again.”

Gun control advocates have also renewed calls for stricter regulations on firearm access, especially among youth, while law enforcement officials are reviewing potential security improvements for future events involving large gatherings of minors.

Ongoing Investigation

Pierce County detectives are continuing to interview witnesses and review digital evidence, including social media footage, cell phone videos, and text messages exchanged prior to the party. Investigators say more arrests could follow if it’s determined others helped Cobb flee or conceal evidence.

Authorities have also expressed concern about the role of social media in organizing large unsupervised gatherings, particularly ones where violence can escalate without warning.

A Call for Change

In the aftermath of this tragedy, many in Spanaway and Federal Way are calling for change—not only in laws but in how young people resolve conflicts and access help.

“There’s too much pain, too much trauma,” said Rev. Angela Carter, who has worked with youth in Pierce County for over a decade. “We need to be in these schools, in these homes, reminding kids that there are other ways—better ways—than turning to violence.”

As the case against Christopher Lee Cobb unfolds in the courtroom, the families of Isaiah and Alana, along with the entire community, are left to pick up the pieces and honor the lives lost too soon. Their names will not be forgotten, and their stories have ignited a conversation about safety, accountability, and the futures we must protect.