With all of the new marijuana laws going into effect, you would think these types of crimes would end. Instead another person has lost his life.
Deadly Federal Way drug deal results in 8 felony charges
By Michael Harthorne Published: Jan 8, 2014 at 1:43 PM PST
SEATTLE — A botched drug deal that left one man dead at a Federal Way apartment complex in October has resulted in eight felony charges against two of the surviving men involved in the deal, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
According to the Attorney’s Office, 35-year-old David Ross of Renton and another man went to the apartment complex to sell marijuana to 19-year-old Lenny Brikn Jr. and his brother Deshawn Boykin.
During the deal, Brikn and Boykin drew pistols, ordered Ross and the other man to the ground and tried to steal the pot, according to the Attorney’s Office.
Brikn and Boykin ended up running off, and Ross pulled his own gun and fired multiple shots after them, hitting Boykin, who died in the hospital from the two gunshot wounds, according to the Attorney’s Office.
“This case is a clear reminder that drugs and guns are a deadly mix and an appropriate target for federal prosecution,” U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan said in a press release.
Ross, a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing a gun.
He has been charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
The charge for discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime carries a 10-year minimum sentence.
Brikn has been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, attempted robbery, attempted possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a stolen firearm.
The charge for brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime carries a seven-year minimum sentence
Ross and Brikn are scheduled to be arraigned later this month.