Table Of Contents
On a quiet spring evening in 2023, tragedy struck a local bar in Federal Way, Washington, turning an ordinary night into a nightmare for the community.
Samuel Ramirez Jr., a man with ties across the United States and into Mexico, is alleged to have opened fire outside the Stars Bar and Grill, killing two women and injuring another person.
Since then, he has evaded capture, prompting the FBI to add him to its wanted list with a substantial reward for information leading to his arrest.
This dossier explores the details of the incident, the suspect’s background, his flight from justice, and why authorities believe he should be considered armed and dangerous.
The Night Of The Shooting: What Happened
The incident occurred on May 21, 2023, at the Stars Bar and Grill located on Pacific Highway South in Federal Way, Washington.
Around closing time, gunfire erupted outside the establishment.
Two female bartenders, Katie Duhnke, 37, and Jessyca Hohn, were fatally shot.
A third individual, a male patron, sustained non-life-threatening injuries but survived the attack.
Authorities quickly identified Samuel Ramirez Jr. as the primary suspect. By May 24, 2023, the King County Superior Court issued a state arrest warrant charging him with murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, and attempted murder in the first degree.
The case escalated to the federal level when evidence showed Ramirez had fled across state lines, and ultimately international borders, to avoid prosecution.
Profile Of The Suspect
Samuel Ramirez Jr. was born on April 17, 1992, in California, making him 31 years old at the time of the incident.
He holds American nationality and is described as White (Hispanic).
Here is a clear breakdown of his physical description for easy reference:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’0″ (183 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 200 pounds (91 kg) |
| Hair | Black |
| Eyes | Brown |
| Build | Medium |
| Distinctive Marks | Tattoos on various parts of the body, including a prominent lion’s face on the right wrist and forearm |
| Possible Disguises | May alter appearance, including wearing hats or changing hairstyle |
Ramirez has known connections to several locations:
- Compton, California (possible family ties)
- Lake Havasu City, Arizona
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Regions in Mexico, particularly Jalisco and Sinaloa
Authorities warn that he should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone spotting him should not approach but immediately contact law enforcement.
The Flight To Mexico
In the days following the shooting, Ramirez allegedly traveled to Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
On May 23, 2023, just two days after the incident, he was reportedly driven across the border into Tijuana, Mexico, by his parents.
This rapid escape highlighted the challenges faced by cross-border fugitives and prompted federal involvement.
On November 14, 2025, a federal warrant was issued in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, charging him with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
The FBI’s Seattle Field Office has taken a lead role in the search, emphasizing his potential presence in Mexico.
The Reward And Ongoing Search
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that directly leads to Ramirez’s location, arrest, and conviction.
Tips can be submitted anonymously through local FBI offices, American embassies or consulates abroad, or online at tips.fbi.gov.
This case remains active, with periodic updates from the FBI to keep the public aware.
The addition of federal resources underscores the seriousness of the charges and the commitment to bringing closure to the victims’ families and the Federal Way community.
Interesting Trivia
One striking detail in this case is Ramirez’s distinctive lion tattoo on his right wrist and forearm, a feature prominently displayed on his wanted poster to aid identification. Such bold body art has helped law enforcement in many fugitive cases by making suspects more recognizable, even if they attempt to change their appearance.
Final Thoughts
The case of Samuel Ramirez Jr. serves as a reminder of how quickly violence can shatter lives and how determined fugitives can prolong justice. While he remains at large, the combined efforts of local police, the FBI, and international partners continue to pursue leads.
If you have information about this case, no matter how small, it could make all the difference. Stay informed and safe.
Thank you for reading this dossier on AlphaFiles.org.
We cover global intelligence developments, from fugitive cases to emerging threats worldwide.
Explore our other articles for more in-depth insights into stories that shape our world.
Author
