TACOMA, WA — Ziair Gilbert, 17, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection to the shooting death of Moses Tillman, 15, during an alleged gun exchange in Tacoma last September.
Tillman was found unresponsive on the 1300 block of East 67th St., suffering from gunshot wounds to the torso. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s office.
Investigators learned from Tillman’s cousin that the two were meeting for a gun trade, where Tillman allegedly attempted to trade his gun and $300 for another firearm. Police say the situation escalated when the suspects tried to take a gun from Tillman, leading to a struggle. Detectives found 9mm shell casings at the scene, which led them to Gilbert’s potential DNA match.
Gilbert, who was arrested on a bench warrant Wednesday, has entered a not-guilty plea. He is being charged as an adult, with bail set at $1 million.
