Fourth suspect sentenced in 2014 Lacey homicide

A fourth suspect in the fatal shooting over a marijuana deal at a Lacey apartment complex has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Nickolas Marcell Armajo, 19, appeared Monday in Thurston County Superior Court, where he pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and first-degree robbery.

The charges stem from the Jan. 22, 2014, shooting death of Daniel Lee Smith, 34, during a botched robbery attempt at the College Glen Apartments in Lacey.

Prosecutors say Armajo and four other suspects had planned to steal Smith’s marijuana instead of paying him for it. One of the suspects, Ronny G. McDaniel, 20, is accused of firing a fatal shot that struck Smith in the shoulder. McDaniel awaits trial the week of Sept. 19.

Three other suspects have been sentenced. Steven R. Pettit, 21, and Eric T. Adamczewski, 22, each received 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter and first-degree robbery in May 2015. Ryan S. Anderson pleaded guilty in 2014 to second-degree robbery in juvenile court and was sentenced to a minimum of three years in custody.

Deputy Prosecutor Wayne Graham told the court that Armajo was 16 years old when the crime occurred. He referenced testimony from other suspects who noted that Armajo did not want to go through with the robbery.

Graham also said he has known Armajo for nearly seven years and hopes the adult Department of Corrections system will fix what the juvenile correction system couldn’t fix.

“He is somebody who I think has a lot to offer,” Graham said of Armajo. “One person pulled the trigger, and it’s not Nick.”

Ada Ruelos, who is Smith’s mother-in-law, told the court Monday about the devastating impact the crime has had on her family. She described Smith as a devoted husband to Jessica Smith and a loving father of girls Ayrial, 5, and Seanna, 4.

“I hope you will learn how to be a better person,” she told Armajo.

Judge James Dixon reiterated the statements from Smith’s family before approving the recommended 12-year sentence, which will be followed by three years of probation.

“That is a shame,” said Dixon, holding up photos of Daniel Smith and his family. “That is a tragedy.”

This story was originally published August 8, 2016 at 3:35 PM with the headline "Fourth suspect sentenced in 2014 Lacey homicide."