30-06-2025
Man died after allegedly killing girlfriend on Ketron Island. They've been ID'd
A Ketron Island woman was stabbed and killed. Her 30-year-old boyfriend was found dead the next day in his vehicle submerged in Puget Sound. They both have been identified, according to the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office.
Ruby Hamrick, 26, died from multiple sharp-force injuries near the 10300 block of Morris Boulevard on June 22. Her manner of death was listed as a homicide, the office wrote in a news release.
James Jordan of Tacoma died the same day after driving his vehicle off a ferry dock on the island. His cause and manner is listed as 'pending,' the release said. That is a temporary designation used when additional information, investigation or tests are required for certification.
Deputies were dispatched at 9:09 p.m. for a call after Jordan allegedly stabbed Hamrick. Neighbors found the woman with several stab wounds and attempted life-saving measures, according to the Sheriff's Office in a Facebook post.
The News Tribune spoke to Ketron Island resident Scott Maddox who was one of the neighbors that helped provide CPR for nearly an hour before first responders arrived. Hamrick was pronounced dead that night.
Maddox said before Hamrick died, she was fighting for a 'good solid hour' as neighbors took turns providing CPR.
A short time after deputies were dispatched, a loud crash was heard at the ferry dock, and neighbors saw a vehicle floating in the water, the post said.
Pierce County Dive and Marine Services Unit used a Remote Operated Vessel to find the vehicle, the post said.
On June 23, the vehicle was found with Jordan dead inside.
Hamrick and Jordan's 1-year-old child was at home and placed into Child Protective Services' custody temporarily.
Sheriff's Office spokesperson Carly Cappetto said it appeared there was unreported domestic violence in the home, with Hamrick being the victim. She had spoken to other people on the island about it.
Maddox said that Hamrick was a year-round resident, and the Ketron Island community knew her very well.
'We were probably as close to family as it comes,' he said.
