Prosecutors Charge Four in South Tacoma Motel Murder

Today Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist charged Daniel Michael Davis, 25, Marcus Anthony Reed, 24, Damien Raphael Davis, 30, and Ariel Ashley Abrejera, 21,with Murder in the First Degree, Robbery in the First Degree and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Last week in Tacoma, the defendants were involved in the robbery and murder of Donald Phily at the Morgan Motel.

During the investigation, detectives learned that Damien Davis visited the mother of his child at the Morgan Motel on March 28, 2013. While in the motel room, he met the victim and saw electronics and drugs. After Damien Davis left the room, he met with Daniel Davis and Reed and discussed robbing the victim. The group drove to Daniel Davis' house, picked up Daniel Davis' gun, then drove to Abrejera's house. From there, Abrejera drove the group back to the motel at approximately midnight on March 29.

To avoid being recognized, Damien Davis stayed in the car with Abrejera. Reed and Daniel Davis went to the motel room and knocked. When the door was answered, they forced their way inside and Reed shot the victim in the chest. Daniel Davis and Reed collected property from multiple people who were present, then fled. Abrejera drove them back to Daniel Davis' house, then split up the stolen property. Reed bragged about shooting the victim, then gave the gun back to Daniel Davis.

The defendants were arrested individually between April 1 and April 4. Daniel Davis has several felony convictions including Burglary in the Second Degree. Marcus Reed is a twice convicted robber, making him a possible third strike candidate. Damien Davis has several felony convictions including drug dealing and promoting prostitution.

"This sad episode should end the criminal careers of these three men," said Prosecutor Mark Lindquist. "We will hold all four defendants accountable to the fullest extent of the law."

The defendants were arraigned today and pled not guilty. Bail was set at $2 million for Reed, $1.5 million for Damien Davis and Daniel Davis, and $1 million for Abrejera. Their next court appearance is scheduled for May 8, 2013. Charges are only allegations and a person is presumed innocent unless he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.