Man Found Dead in Southcenter Mall Parking Lot Identified as Nicholas Frank Hokema

A man was discovered dead in the parking lot of Southcenter Mall in Tukwila early Monday morning, according to a colleague who spoke to The Olympian on Thursday. The deceased has been identified as Nicholas Frank Hokema, a 34-year-old from Tumwater, as confirmed by the King County Medical Examiner’s Office. The medical examiner’s report indicated that Hokema had suffered from “multiple sharp force” injuries.

Speaking to reporters, Jacob Stapp, a RediCab driver, revealed that Hokema was a fellow taxi driver who had been working for the company since 2016. Stapp, who had also been employed by RediCab during this time, described Hokema as a good-natured and kind-hearted individual. He mentioned that customers often praised Hokema’s excellent taste in music, which made a positive impact on their experience.

Although the Tukwila Police Department has not responded to recent inquiries, they have provided updates regarding the case on social media. In a Facebook post, the police stated that the body was discovered at approximately 4:15 a.m. on Monday in the mall parking lot. The police classified the death as suspicious, leading to the activation of their Major Crimes Unit to launch a thorough investigation.

Later, on Thursday, the police released another statement on Facebook, now investigating the man’s death as a homicide. They are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a taxi that may be connected to this suspicious incident. The vehicle in question is a 2012 red Toyota Camry four-door with RediCab markings. The accompanying image in the post shows the vehicle, with a note specifying that the taxi light may or may not be present on the roof. The RediCab company is cooperating with the Tukwila Police during the ongoing investigation.

Stapp informed the media that the police had notified them of Hokema’s death around noon on Monday. He expressed his sadness, remembering his colleague as a valued member of the taxi community, respected for his kind nature and great taste in music.

Individuals with any information regarding the vehicle or the case are urged to contact the Tukwila Police Department by sending an email to Tips@TukwilaWA.gov.