Did unpaid drug debt lead to murder? Man charged in fatal shooting at Tacoma home
A man shot in his Tacoma home earlier this month was killed by his drug dealer because he did not pay what he owed, according to court documents.
On Thursday, Pierce County prosecutors charged Antione Lavar Larkins, 34, with two counts of second-degree murder and first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. He was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday afternoon.
Police say he went to Earl Harris III’s house on Jan. 17 and shot him multiple times.
Harris, 53, died of multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office. At least five gunshot wounds were found in his torso and both hands.
Charging papers give this account of the homicide:
Harris was hanging out with two friends at his home in the 800 block of South Sheridan Avenue when somebody knocked on the door about 5:40 p.m.
One of the witnesses told detectives Larkins “hit and punch(ed) the victim in the head shortly after the victim let the defendant into the house. He then saw the defendant reach into his waistband area with his right hand and produce a handgun,” records say.
Larkins then allegedly pushed Harris against the wall and began shooting. Harris’ friends ran when they saw the gun.
The victim called 911 for help and was taken to Tacoma General Hospital, where he died.
Police were able to identify Larkins based on his street name, anonymous tips and a description of him being particularly short. After doing surveillance on Larkins’ home, officers arrested him Tuesday.
He initially told investigators he hadn’t seen Harris since 2019, then allegedly admitted to going to his home the night of the shooting. He claimed Harris attacked him as soon as he walked in the door, which witnesses disputed.
Larkins “said that he and the victim wrestled for the pistol, and he admitted shooting the victim and later discarding the pistol in a trashcan at an unknown location,” prosecutors wrote in charging papers.
Harris’ friends said the victim often bought drugs from Larkins and was known not to pay up, records say.
Larkins has felony convictions and is prohibited from having weapons. His prior convictions include second-degree assault, unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and residential burglary.
This story was originally published January 27, 2022 at 10:38 AM.
