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Three men charged in murder at Tacoma motel

TACOMA, Wash. — Three men were charged with murder and robbery in the shooting death of a 41-year-old man at a Tacoma motel room last week.

Marcus Boykin, 30, and Aron Skaro, 32, were arraigned Tuesday in connection with the murder of 41-year-old Kevin Young.

Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist charged Boykin and Skaro with first-degree murder and first-degree robbery Monday.

A third man, 32-year-old Raphael Smith, was also charged and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

"The drug trade can be a dangerous business," said Lindquist. "All three of the defendants will be held accountable."

Young and his girlfriend spent the evening of Aug. 20 in their room at King Oscar Motel on South Hosmer Street with a woman the girlfriend had previously met in the Pierce County Jail.

At 3 a.m., the woman drove the couple to a nearby convenience store where Young withdrew $30 from the ATM.

Shortly after they returned to the motel room, the woman left. Within minutes, Boykin and Smith entered the motel room, armed with a shotgun, and demanded cash, prosecutors said.

An argument started and Young was shot in the abdomen.

Police said Boykin and Smith ran to a waiting car driven by Skaro, and fled.

Young was transported to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Authorities said the initial investigation indicated the men intended to rob Young for his drugs and money. Detectives are continuing to investigate.

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