The four co-defendants in an October 2012 case regarding the death of Donald Thomas in Bonney Lake are facing consequences of the events that unfolded that day.
One of the suspects was found guilty by a jury and may face nearly 20 years incarceration. Two pleaded guilty as charged, one was released for time served, the other will be sentenced in January. The fourth awaits a plea date.
Job Edwards was found guilty by a jury for unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, unlawful use of building for drug purposes, unlawful imprisonment and felony harassment
He faces a sentencing range of 14.5 to 19 years, which will take place at 9 a.m., Jan. 6. in Pierce County Superior Court, Courtroom 323 before Judge John McCarthy.
Michael Edwards pleaded guilty as charged and will also receive sentencing at 9 a.m., Jan. 6.
Krystal Frietas pleaded guilty as charged to kidnapping in the first degree and was sentenced to 12 months incarceration. She was credited for time served and released Dec. 9.
Colton Geeson was originally charged with attempted robbery in the first degree and has a plea date set for 8:30 a.m., Jan. 3.
Job Edwards, Michael Edwards, Frietas and Geeson were initially detained as murder suspects after a body was found in the garage of a Bonney Lake residence, located on 75th Street East.
According to charging documents, Geeson reported the gunshot wound to police at about 4 p.m. Oct. 25, 2012. Shell castings and several firearms were recovered at the scene. The victim was found on the floor of the garage, where he was dragged after being shot several times.
The death was believed to be a drug deal gone bad, according to investigators at the time of the incident. None of the defendants were charged with homicide.
The crime response team and subsequent investigation was impressive, Mayor Neil Johnson said.
“Our team of detectives and our law enforcement partners did a nice job in putting the pieces of this puzzle together for a conviction. Anytime you can get a criminal off the streets, especially one who is violent should make all of us on the plateau and in Pierce County feel good about justice being served,” said Johnson.
The information above was obtained from the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
