A jury in Thurston County Superior Court has found Scott Brodrick, 43, guilty of the first-degree murder of a neighbor in 2023.
The 18-day trial began Jan. 6 and ended Feb. 5, according to court documents.
“During the trial, Brodrick asserted a self-defense argument but was found guilty of first-degree murder with premeditation while armed with a firearm,” the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office said in a news release on Friday, Feb. 7. “The conviction brings a sense of justice for the victim’s family, who have endured immense loss and grief since the killing of their loved one.”
On the morning of Aug. 21, 2023, Lacey police officers responded to several reports of gunfire at a residence in Lacey. Officers arrived to discover the victim, identified as Brodrick’s neighbor, 43-year-old Brian Fraley, deceased from multiple gunshot wounds.
According to court records, Brodrick went to the victim’s home following an online dispute related to a prior incident. Upon arrival, he fatally shot the victim with a rifle before fleeing the scene.
Investigators identified Brodrick as the suspect through witness statements and Ring camera footage. Following an intensive four-day search, officers located him at a restaurant in Lacey, where he was taken into custody with the assistance of a taser and an Olympia police K9 unit. Brodrick told investigators that, in an effort to evade police, he had been hiding out in a Tumwater motel using a disguise to avoid being recognized by motel staff.
“This outcome reflects the dedication of the attorneys, legal staff, and victim advocates who worked diligently to ensure justice was served,” said Thurston County Prosecutor Jon Tunheim. “We also extend our gratitude to our law enforcement partners for their thorough investigative work and strong partnership throughout this case.”
Sentencing is scheduled for March 7.
