VANCOUVER, Washington — October 24, 2026. Witness testimony has begun in Clark County in the case arising from the October 31, 2024, shooting at Vancouver Mall. One man was killed and two others were shot that evening. The shooting happened during a Halloween celebration, when families with children were among the mall visitors.
On Friday, October 23, the two surviving men testified before jurors. Their accounts brought renewed attention to the events of nearly two years ago.
What happened on October 31, 2024
The shots were fired in the Vancouver Mall food court. James Perez was shot in the head and died. Daniel Martin was shot in the foot, and Brandon Layrer was shot in the stomach. Both survived.
Several days later, Vancouver police announced the arrest of Travis Ward. According to a Vancouver Police Department release dated November 3, 2024, Ward surrendered to officers on November 2 and was booked on suspicion of first-degree murder and two counts of first-degree assault.
The case is now before the court. Ward, identified as 32 in reports about the trial, is charged with first-degree murder, assault and witness tampering. Jurors have not yet decided those charges. He is presumed innocent unless convicted.
Survivors describe the first moments
According to FOX 12 Oregon's report from the October 23 hearing, Martin testified that he initially did not recognize the loud pops behind him as gunfire. They sounded like fireworks, he said. Only after feeling a blow to his foot did he realize someone was shooting nearby.
Martin said he caught a brief glimpse of the shooter near a person lying on the floor.
Layrer, the other wounded man, also testified Friday. The available courtroom reports provide fewer details of his testimony.
These details come from FOX 12's reporting. WE PNW was not present in court and does not have its own transcript of the testimony.
The effect on children nearby
One of the most difficult parts of Martin's testimony concerned his children, who were with him at the mall. He said he tried to shield them during the shooting, but they continued to feel its effects after returning home.
Martin told jurors that his children began sleeping next to him more often because they struggled to feel safe after what happened.
His account illustrates how gun violence can affect people who were not physically wounded but witnessed the event.
Separate witness-tampering allegation
Anissia Jenkin, whom FOX 12 identifies as Ward's girlfriend, also testified Friday. According to the station, she said Ward tried to discourage her from taking part in the trial.
Prosecutors connect that allegation to phone calls said to have taken place after Ward's arrest. It is the basis of a separate witness-tampering charge. Testimony in court does not mean Ward's guilt on that charge has been established.
Trial to continue
The first witness testimony was heard October 23. The trial is expected to resume the following week, beginning October 26.
Jurors will assess the evidence and the testimony from both sides before deciding whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.
For Vancouver residents, the trial returns attention to a tragedy at one of the city's busiest shopping centers. The Halloween celebration during which the shooting occurred became an event with lasting consequences for several families.
WE PNW will continue to follow the trial and report confirmed developments.
