Man pleads guilty to Tacoma Mall robbery that might have provoked a teenager’s murder
A 20-year-old man pleaded guilty for his role in a Tacoma Mall robbery that might have led to the death of his friend, 16-year-old Larry “Trae” Marshall.
Tyrus Kenneth Walker-Scott was sentenced to 51 months in prison and 18 months in community custody during a hearing in Pierce County Superior Court on Dec. 6. Walker-Scott pleaded guilty to charges of first-degree robbery, unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle and unlawful possession of a machine gun, according to court records.
Walker-Scott and co-defendant Isaiah Jeremiaa Williams, 18, were arrested and charged on April 14. There were four other young adults and teenagers arrested with them for a suspected crime spree dating to July 2022, court records show.
On March 25, Walker-Scott, Williams and another unidentified man allegedly robbed 29-year-old Isiah Martin. Martin was getting a haircut at the barbershop and the suspects came in about the time he was finished. Walker-Scott exchanged words with Martin and pulled out an “AR15 style pistol.” No shots were fired, but several customers left the store, charging documents show.
Walker-Scott and Williams were seen on video surveillance motioning Martin to give them an object he was holding. Walker-Scott punched Martin, and the three suspects were able to get the object Martin had. The robbery was unreported. Investigators found out about it during Marshall’s homicide investigation, charging documents show.
On March 29, Martin allegedly drove two teenagers to a West End apartment complex. They waited until Marshall walked into the parking lot. The teenagers allegedly fired 33 bullets at Marshall, killing him, charging documents show.
Walker-Scott and Williams arrived at the crime scene and were reportedly distraught over Marshall’s death, court records show. Marshall’s death is believed to have been retaliation for the robbery, Pierce County prosecutors wrote in charging papers filed in Williams’ case. Both of the accused robbers were reportedly friends of Marshall, but it’s unclear why Marshall was targeted.
Martin was arrested in Portland a week later and is being held at Pierce County Jail on a $1.5 million bond. Bail for his alleged accomplices was set at $1 million, and both are still in custody, court records show.
Williams faces a first-degree robbery charge. He was originally held on a $35,000 bail, but later was released on bond. He was taken into custody again at Pierce County Jail after violating his home detention monitor. Williams is now held on a $100,000 bail, court records show.
