A 32-year-old man faces murder charges after allegedly donning a Joker mask and shooting three people during a Halloween event at Vancouver Mall in Vancouver, Washington, killing one man and wounding two others.
Travis L. Ward appeared in Clark County Superior Court charged with first-degree murder and two counts of first-degree assault for the October 31, 2024, shooting.
According to court documents, Ward followed James Perez, 27, through the mall before shooting him in the back of the head at point-blank range during a family trick-or-treating event. As Perez fell, Ward continued firing, with bullets and fragments striking two bystanders, Daniel Martin and Brandon Leyrer.
The shooting occurred around 7:30 p.m. near the mall’s food court, which was crowded with families and children participating in Halloween activities. Witnesses reported parents and children fleeing into stores or out of the mall to escape the gunfire.
Ward surrendered to authorities on November 2 after police surrounded a residence in Vancouver. The Vancouver Police Department’s SWAT unit assisted in taking him into custody at approximately 6:17 p.m.
Court records reveal Ward arrived at the mall with his girlfriend, mother, and a young girl for the trick-or-treating event. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, as Ward has not provided an explanation for his actions.
Ward’s criminal history includes previous convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm and an Oregon charge for unlawful use of a weapon in 2021. Prosecutors plan to file an additional charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.
Two women initially sought by investigators as potential witnesses have been identified and interviewed. Neither is considered a suspect or person of interest in the crime.
The state has requested Ward be held without bail, citing his demonstrated propensity for violence and potential danger to the community. A bail hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
Both injured victims have been released from the hospital. The Vancouver Police Department’s investigation continues.