A 40-year-old Kent man arrested in a fatal stabbing investigation remains in custody after a judge on Friday found probable cause for first degree murder, with bail not addressed because he did not appear in court, according to prosecutors.
Antonio Solomon, 40, was taken into custody on Thursday, April 9 outside a motel room on Pacific Highway South and booked on investigation of homicide following the April 7 killing of Joseph Christopher Moore, 43.
According to the probable cause statement, Moore was found with a fatal stab wound near the Meeker Street Bar and Grill late Tuesday night. Officers responded around 11:55 p.m. and located Moore lying in bushes near the sidewalk with significant blood loss. Despite lifesaving efforts by police and medics, sadly he was pronounced dead shortly after midnight.
An autopsy conducted April 8 determined Moore died from a deep wound to the shoulder area that severed an artery, the documents state.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses that showed Moore leaving a bar and entering a convenience store before encountering a man matching Solomon’s description. Video later captured the suspect waiting outside, confronting Moore on a sidewalk and stabbing him multiple times before fleeing the scene, according to the report.
Detectives later recovered a knife believed to be used in the attack from a nearby apartment complex dumpster, and also found blood evidence suggesting the suspect may have been injured during the incident.
Police identified Solomon as a suspect after reviewing additional surveillance footage and witness statements. He was located at a Kent motel and arrested around 3:30 p.m. April 9 after being seen leaving a room registered under his name, documents state.
Charging documents say Solomon admitted to stabbing Moore during an interview with detectives, stating he had waited outside the store to confront him. He told investigators Moore “talked too much sh*t,” and initially claimed the victim may have been reaching for a weapon, though he later said he was not afraid and wanted to fight, according to the report.
Authorities also allege the incident may have been motivated by jealousy related to a personal relationship. Investigators said Solomon believed Moore had been interacting with his girlfriend, leading to prior verbal confrontations.
Prosecutors noted Solomon has limited ties to the area, having moved to Washington in February, and may pose a risk to witnesses or flee if released.
The case is expected to be filed for formal charges in the coming days.
Defendants are innocent until proven guilty in court.
