Larnell Griffin, aged 33, was tragically killed on April 15, 2015, in his Tacoma, Washington apartment. The incident occurred during the early morning hours when Griffin was confronted by three men, including Thomas Sterling Potts Jr. and David 'Beasty' Turner, over a disagreement about cell phones. The confrontation escalated, leading to Griffin being fatally shot in the chest.
Following the incident, Thomas Sterling Potts Jr. was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges. David Turner, who was considered an accomplice, was also charged with second-degree murder. Turner was initially on the run but was later apprehended in Crescent City, California. The third individual involved in the incident has not been publicly identified.
The case drew significant attention from the Tacoma community and law enforcement. The Tacoma Police Department actively sought public assistance in locating Turner, who was considered armed and dangerous due to his extensive criminal history, including robbery, assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist emphasized the severity of Turner's involvement, stating that under Washington state law, an accomplice is equally culpable for the crime.
The investigation into Griffin's death highlighted the violent nature of the confrontation and the swift response by law enforcement to bring the suspects to justice. The legal proceedings against Potts and Turner underscored the community's commitment to addressing violent crime and ensuring accountability for those involved.
