A man accused in the fatal 2020 shooting of a 21-year-old in a Renton parking lot has been arrested after several years of investigation, according to the Renton Police Department.
Authorities said Oshea Larenze Williams was taken into custody Thursday night near Benson Drive and Southeast 172nd Street. Officers attempted to arrest Williams, but police said he briefly ran from the scene before being captured following a short foot chase. He was later booked into the King County Jail at around 11 p.m.
Williams is accused in the killing of Jimm Andreas Route, who was shot and killed on March 10, 2020, in Renton.
Shooting
Police said the shooting happened in the parking lot of Formula One Fast Lube near Rainier Avenue South and Southwest Victoria Street. Investigators said witnesses reported seeing a gunman fire several rounds into a parked white car where Route was sitting.
Route, who was 21 years old at the time of his death, suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but he later died from his injuries.
The case remained active for years as investigators continued searching for the suspect.
Suspect
Renton police identified Williams as the primary suspect in April 2020, roughly one month after the shooting. Authorities said he avoided arrest for years despite ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to locate him.
Police previously announced that a nationwide extradition warrant had been issued for Williams in connection with the homicide case.
Commander Susan Lewis of the Renton Police Department said investigators remained committed to the case throughout the years.
“Six years is a long time, but our investigators never gave up on this case or finding justice for Jimm Route’s family,” Lewis said in a statement. “This arrest is a testament to the persistence and dedication of our teams. We will keep working until justice is served.”
Williams now faces a first-degree murder charge tied to the death of Route.
Arrest
According to police, officers located Williams near Benson Drive and Southeast 172nd Street. Authorities said the arrest operation led to a short foot pursuit after Williams attempted to flee.
Police did not release further details about where Williams had been living or how investigators tracked him down after several years.
Court records and additional hearing dates have not yet been publicly announced.
Assistance
The investigation also resulted in charges against another man connected to the case.
Police said J’Von Kelly drove Williams to the location of the shooting in 2020. Kelly later pleaded guilty to felony rendering criminal assistance.
Court records show Kelly was sentenced on Jan. 22, 2021, to one year in prison.
Authorities have not indicated whether additional arrests or charges are expected.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 10, 2020 | Jimm Route shot and killed in Renton |
| April 2020 | Williams identified as suspect |
| Jan. 22, 2021 | J’Von Kelly sentenced to prison |
| 2023 | Police say suspect remained at large |
| May 2026 | Williams arrested by Renton police |
Investigation
The arrest marks a significant development in a case that remained unresolved for more than four years. Investigators continued working leads during that time while coordinating with other agencies connected to the search for Williams.
Cold case investigations can often take years to resolve, particularly when suspects leave the area or avoid contact with law enforcement. Police said the Renton case remained a priority despite the passage of time.
Officials have not released additional evidence connected to the case, and prosecutors are expected to handle the next stage of legal proceedings in King County Superior Court.
Williams remains in custody as the murder case moves forward.
FAQs
Who was arrested in Renton?
Oshea Larenze Williams was arrested.
Who was the victim in the case?
Jimm Andreas Route, age 21.
When did the shooting happen?
The shooting happened on March 10, 2020.
What charge does Williams face?
He faces a first-degree murder charge.
Where was the suspect arrested?
Near Benson Drive and SE 172nd Street.
