In late summer 2014, 30-year-old Brandon Zomalt, a Black or African American man, was reported missing and later found murdered. On August 13 an off-duty federal agent discovered a fire along Peasley Canyon Road in Auburn and, after putting it out, found blood-soaked carpeting, towels and clothing; an individual seen nearby fled in a dark SUV. Forensic testing later matched the blood on those items to Zomalt, who friends and family had not seen or heard from in weeks.

On September 1 Pierce County deputies, following anonymous tips, conducted a welfare check at a duplex on Military Road East in the South Hill area of Puyallup. A severely decomposed body in the garage was identified as Zomalt. The Pierce County Medical Examiner ruled his death due to multiple gunshot wounds to the head and torso. Flooring and carpet missing from the house matched items found at the Auburn fire scene.

The residence was rented by 34-year-old Michael Clifford Boisselle, who had been Zomalt’s roommate. Boisselle later told witnesses and his mother he had shot Zomalt out of frustration and said he needed to leave immediately. He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder; he claimed self-defense at trial. Would anyone who knew Brandon or his movements that summer come forward with information?