Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist has charged Michael Clifford Boisselle, 34, with murder in the first degree. Last month, Boisselle shot Brandon Shane Zomalt, 30, to death in a South Hill home. He later disposed of evidence in Auburn. A bench warrant has been issued for Boisselle’s arrest.

“The suspect is still at large and anyone with information should contact the Sheriff’s Department,” said Prosecutor Mark Lindquist.

On Aug. 13, 2014, an off-duty federal agent noticed a fire on the side of Peasley Canyon Road in Auburn. He extinguished the fire and discovered it was fueled by bloodied carpet, clothing and towels. A man who was standing near the fire fled in his dark SUV when he saw the agent. Samples of the blood were sent to the Washington State Patrol’s crime lab, where DNA analysis identified the blood as belonging to Zomalt. Friends and family had not seen or heard from Zomalt for weeks.

On Sept. 1, Pierce County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a South Hill home to perform a welfare check. In the garage, they found Zomalt’s severely decomposed body. Flooring missing from the home matched the flooring that was found burning in Auburn. Detectives determined the home was rented by Boisselle, and Zomalt had been temporarily staying there.

Boisselle told witnesses that he shot Zomalt because he was frustrated with him and didn’t want him to stay at his home any longer. Boisselle told his mother that he needed to get out of the area immediately and that she would not hear from him again.

The Pierce County Medical Examiner determined died Zomalt from multiple gunshot wounds to the torso and head.

Charges are only allegations and a person is presumed innocent unless he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.