A judge found probable cause this week for second-degree murder and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm against a 28-year-old Auburn man, who is being held on $2 million bail.

The charges stem from the September 2024 shooting death of Travis J. Jones in Auburn.

The probable cause finding is based on a document prepared by Auburn Police and presented by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

The man’s arrest follows a months-long investigation by the Auburn Police Department.

As we previously reported, the fatal shooting occurred Sept. 3, 2024 near the intersection of 41st Street SE and A Street SE, where Jones was found unresponsive with a single gunshot wound. Investigators recovered shell casings and bullet fragments at the scene, leading to the identification of a white Toyota Highlander as the suspect vehicle.

“Travis was an innocent bystander who was struck by a stray bullet fired from the SUV” that resembled a drive-by shooting, a detective stated in the report.

The investigation revealed that a Toyota Highlander was reported stolen and linked to the suspect, who police said is a documented gang member. Surveillance footage and phone records tied the vehicle and the suspect to the crime. Text messages also implicated the suspect, with one message stating, “I blast ’em suck the other night,” referring to the fatal shooting.

The suspect, who has four prior felony convictions, was arrested Feb. 5, 2025 in Federal Way. He is being held in King County Jail pending further proceedings.

Law enforcement officials emphasized the ongoing risk posed by the suspect if released.