A late-night ride from a Seattle nightclub ended in gunfire outside a Kent apartment complex, and prosecutors now say it was no accident. A 23-year-old Seattle man has been charged with first-degree murder after authorities say he fatally shot 25-year-old Marcus Pressley in the parking lot of a Kent complex in the early morning hours of May 24. Court filings describe the killing as premeditated and driven by retaliation, and the arrest has neighbors and investigators still asking what exactly sparked the confrontation.
Prosecutors formally charged Robert Bernard Ousley on June 10 with first-degree murder and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, noting in court papers that he had been arrested June 5. The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office requested $10 million bail and wrote that Ousley "specifically targeted" Pressley and fired multiple rounds. The charges are allegations at this stage, and Ousley is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court, according to KOMO.
The victim was identified as 25-year-old Marcus James Pressley, and the King County Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide. Kent police said officers and medics were dispatched shortly before 4 a.m. to the Chandlers Bay Apartments in the 8700 block of South 235th Place and found Pressley in the parking lot, but lifesaving efforts were not successful. Detectives have asked anyone with information to contact the department tip line, as reported by the Kent Reporter.
Prosecutors Describe Witness Accounts And Evidence
According to court documents, a witness told detectives that Ousley, Pressley and several others had been together earlier in the night after leaving a Seattle nightclub. Pressley later accepted a ride to Kent, and once at the apartment complex, Ousley allegedly stepped out of a vehicle and opened fire. Investigators said they recovered about 11 spent 9mm shell casings near where Pressley was found, and prosecutors wrote that an autopsy revealed nine entrance wounds to Pressley's back. Detectives also said cellphone data, surveillance video and social media activity placed Ousley near the crime scene and alleged that he later threatened to kill anyone who reported what happened, according to KOMO.
Investigation, Prior Records And Next Steps
Prosecutors noted in charging documents that Ousley has prior felony convictions for first-degree theft and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, and they highlighted active warrants and previous failures to appear in court. The state also said Ousley is under investigation in connection with a June 4 crash on State Route 18 that killed two passengers, including an 18-year-old witness in the homicide case and a 4-year-old child, though no charges from that wreck are included in the murder filing. The investigation remains active, and additional court dates are expected in King County Superior Court.
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