Judge sentences man who pleaded guilty to shooting, killing girlfriend in 2022
A 27-year-old Pierce County man has been sentenced to over 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to fatally shooting his girlfriend near Lacey in 2022.
Marquan Elizah Bryant attended his sentencing hearing in Thurston County Superior Court on Tuesday.
The hearing occurred almost two years after the shooting death of Rayandalee Perez, a 21-year-old mother, at an apartment off Martin Way East near Duterrow Road. Prosecutors initially charged Bryant with second-degree murder, however he ultimately pleaded guilty on Oct. 7 to first-degree manslaughter while armed with a firearm.
Being convicted of second-degree murder would have meant Bryant intentionally caused Perez’s death, but without premeditation. Instead, Bryant admitted to first-degree manslaughter, which means he recklessly caused the death of Perez.
In his statement of guilt, Bryant said he took back a firearm from Perez by force when he knew the gun was loaded and it did not have a safety. He said they had been drinking and arguing before grappling over the gun. The gun then discharged and a bullet struck Perez in the face.
“My actions constitute wanton and willful disregard for the safety of Rayandalee Perez,” Bryant said. “For the purposes of the firearm sentence enhancement, I was armed with a firearm at the time of the commission of the crime.”
Michael Stewart, Bryant’s attorney, said he and his client were focused on getting the charge down from murder to manslaughter. Steward said Bryant has always maintained the shooting was accidental.
“Most importantly for this court, he has never denied his responsibility, first telling his family that he had shot her before falling into his grandmother’s lap and weeping,” Stewart wrote in sentencing memorandum.
Judge John Skinder delivered Bryant’s sentence after hearing statements from people who knew Perez, including local tribal members, and finally, an apology from Bryant.
Bryant was sentenced to a total of 162 months in prison and 36 months in community custody, according to court records.
Skinder also ordered Bryant to complete mental health, substance use disorder and domestic violence evaluations and all recommended treatments.
Additionally, Skinder barred Bryant from consuming alcohol or non-prescription drugs without permission as well as possessing firearms or dangerous weapons.
When reached for comment, the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office provided the following statement.
“Marquan Bryant’s sentencing, which reflects the maximum penalty within the standard range, marks a solemn step toward justice for a young woman whose life was taken too soon,” the statement reads.
“As the devoted mother of a young child, Rayandalee Perez’s loss has left a profound impact on her loved ones and her Native American community, who have shown remarkable strength and devotion throughout this case.”
“Though no sentence imposed by the Court can lessen her family’s pain, focusing strong prosecution efforts on this case affirms our office’s commitment to justice for victims of domestic violence.”
What happened on Dec. 4, 2022?
Bryant handled a firearm during an argument with Perez when she was shot in the face, according to prosecutors’ sentencing memorandum. He reportedly sat with Perez for at least 45 minutes and did not get any help for her.
Instead, the prosecutors’ memorandum says Bryant called a friend to pick him up and take him home. From there, Bryant reportedly called his mother and said he shot Perez. Bryant’s mother then called 911 from Spanaway.
Thurston County deputies found Perez dead in her apartment, lying face down on a couch with a gunshot wound to the face, according to the prosecutor’s memorandum.
Pierce County deputies reportedly found Bryant at his grandparent’s home in Graham and detained him without issue.
“At no time did Mr. Bryant attempt to call law enforcement, or show any concern for the well-being of Perez after Ms. Perez was shot in the face and died immediately, according to the Medical Examiner,” the prosecutor’s memorandum reads.
Stewart told The Olympian that the prosecution’s reports don’t mention that Bryant was in shock after the shooting.
“There was no intent to kill her, he just couldn’t believe it was true,” Stewart said.
Deputies attempted to interview Bryant but he quickly asked for a lawyer, according to the prosecutors’ memorandum. However, Bryant did repeatedly ask a detective, “Is my girlfriend gone?”
“I’ve handled cases for 30 years,” Stewart said. “People who are stunned by what they do, people who are in shock about what happened, ask questions like that.”
Since then, Stewart said he and his client have been pushing back against a narrative that Bryant intentionally killed Perez and he’s a terrible person.
He said Bryant legally owned a firearm because he was concerned about his safety around a person in his social circle.
Stewart described Bryant as an “exceptionally wonderful person” with no criminal history and an “excellent work history.” He added Bryant is a “loving person” who volunteered at church, played drums and sang in the church choir.
Bryant only apologized to friends and family of Perez on Tuesday, Stewart said, because the criminal legal system does not offer a means to do that until you reach the very end of a sentencing hearing.
Deputy prosecutors met with the Perez’s family many times to update them on the case, according to the prosecutor’s memorandum.
“During these meetings, the state has understood Ms. Perez to be a strong, beautiful young woman,” the prosecutor’s memorandum reads. “She was a mother to a beautiful baby girl, she was smart, caring and had so much life left before her… All of Ms. Perez’ family have faced a significant and tragic loss.”
