Marcus Boykin, 30, and Aron Skaro, 32, were arraigned yesterday for the shooting death of Kevin Young, 41, in his Tacoma motel room last week. Yesterday Prosecutor Mark Lindquist charged the defendants with murder in the first degree and robbery in the first degree. The arraignments are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in room 270 of the County-City Building in Tacoma. A third man, Raphael Smith, 32, was also charged and a bench warrant has been issued for his arrest.

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

Young and his girlfriend spent the evening of Aug. 20 in their motel room with a woman the girlfriend had previously met in the Pierce County Jail. At 3:00 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.

An argument ensued and Young was shot in the abdomen. The defendants ran to a waiting car, driven by Skaro, and fled. Young was transported to the hospital, where he later died as a result of his gunshot wound. Initial investigation indicates the defendants intended to rob Young of his drugs and money. Detectives are continuing to investigate this case.

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