Cause of Death Released for Tacoma Woman Allegedly Killed by Her Son

The cause of death has been officially released for a Tacoma woman whose son is accused of fatally stabbing her earlier this year. According to the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office, 64-year-old Mary Jane Stephens died from multiple sharp-force injuries caused by stabbing.

Officials confirmed that her death has been ruled a homicide. Stephens was found dead on April 18, 2025, at an apartment near the 1200 block of North Pearl Street in Tacoma, Washington. Her son, 36-year-old Ronald Thomas Stephens, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with her death.

Medical Examiner Confirms Cause of Death

The medical examiner’s findings, released in an updated report Tuesday, stated that Stephens suffered multiple sharp-force wounds consistent with a violent stabbing. Authorities have classified the case as a homicide, and prosecutors allege that Ronald Stephens intentionally killed his mother before attempting to mislead investigators about the circumstances of her death.

According to charging documents, Ronald Stephens called 911 around 8:52 a.m. on April 18, claiming to have discovered his mother’s body after waking up to take his six-year-old niece to school. When police and fire personnel arrived, they found Mary Jane Stephens unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at 9:11 a.m. at the scene.

Investigators said Ronald initially suggested to police that his mother had taken her own life. However, evidence from the scene contradicted that claim, leading detectives to treat the case as a suspected homicide. He was arrested shortly thereafter and booked into the Pierce County Jail.

Details from Court Proceedings

During his arraignment in Pierce County Superior Court on April 24, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Dalton Smith stated that the attack might have been premeditated. Smith argued that the suspect had “ample time and motive” leading up to the fatal encounter. Ronald Stephens entered a plea of not guilty to the murder charge.

Judge set his bail at $1.5 million, citing the severity of the crime and the potential risk to the community. Court records indicate that Ronald remains in custody at the Pierce County Jail. His trial is tentatively scheduled to begin on November 19, 2025.

Prosecutors have not revealed a possible motive, but court filings suggest a history of family conflict. Friends and neighbors described Mary Jane Stephens as a “kind, quiet woman” who had lived in the Tacoma area for decades.

Community Reaction and Broader Impact

The killing shocked residents of North Tacoma, where violent crime remains relatively rare. Several community members have placed flowers and candles near the apartment complex in memory of Stephens. Local advocacy groups for domestic violence prevention have also spoken out, urging more awareness of warning signs within families.

Authorities continue to encourage anyone with additional information about the incident to contact Tacoma Police Department investigators. As the case proceeds toward trial, officials say they hope the findings from the medical examiner bring some clarity to what they describe as a “tragic and preventable loss.”

The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office reaffirmed Tuesday that Mary Jane Stephens’ cause of death was multiple stab wounds, officially ruling the case a homicide.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was the cause of death for Mary Jane Stephens?

She died from multiple sharp-force injuries due to stabbing, according to the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Q2: Who has been charged in the case?

Her son, Ronald Thomas Stephens, 36, has been charged with first-degree murder and has pleaded not guilty.

Q3: When did the murder occur?

The incident happened on April 18, 2025, near the 1200 block of North Pearl Street in Tacoma.

Q4: What is the current status of the suspect?

Ronald Stephens is being held at Pierce County Jail on $1.5 million bail, with trial scheduled for November 19, 2025.

Q5: How did police become aware of the crime?

Ronald Stephens himself called 911 to report finding his mother’s body after allegedly waking up to take his niece to school.