File Photo, Kent Reporter

File Photo, Kent Reporter

Jury finds man not guilty in 2021 murder at Kent apartment complex

Decides Darian Downing, 29, acted in self-defense in fatal shooting of Marcus Golden, 28

A King County jury found a 29-year-old Kent man not guilty due to self-defense in the 2021 fatal shooting of Marcus Golden at a Kent apartment complex.

Darian Dion Downing was charged with second-degree murder by King County prosecutors in the March 30, 2021 death of Golden, 28, at the Mosaic Hills Apartments, 10811 SE 239th Place, now known as The Groves Apartments.

The King County Superior Court jury in Kent issued its not guilty verdict on Jan. 24, according to a Jan. 30 email from James Curtis, the attorney who represented Downing. The jury issued its special verdict regarding self-defense on Jan. 25.

“In Washington, a homicide is justified if a person believes that he or she is in danger of great personal injury or a victim of a violent felony,” according to a press release from Curtis.

“Downing’s defense alleged that Golden attempted to assault him with brass knuckles and a tire plug insertion tool,” according to the release. “Ultimately, the jury was asked to decide whether Downing acted reasonably and whether the force used was in proportion to the threat posed by Golden.”

The jury returned a verdict after deliberating for a little over three hours, Curtis said.

Downing cried after the verdict was read by the trial judge, according to the press release. He had spent nearly two years in jail with bail set at $3 million. Because the jury found he acted in self-defense, Downing is entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable costs, including loss of time, legal fees incurred and other expenses involved in his defense.

Curtis argued that the prosecution ignored evidence and witness statements that demonstrated Golden’s intent to assault Downing with weapons.

Prosecutors alleged that Downing shot Golden after an attempt to intervene in a domestic dispute between Downing and his girlfriend. During trial, the jury learned that Golden armed himself with brass knuckles and a tire plug insertion tool to confront Downing over an ongoing noise dispute.

The trial started Dec. 6, 2022 at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. There was a two-week recess to accommodate the prosecutor’s vacation, Curtis said.

The initial Kent Police report and charging documents listed Renton as the hometown for Downing because he did not have his own residence and that’s where his mother lived, Curtis said. But he had been living in Kent with his girlfriend.

According to charging documents, Golden went to investigate sounds of a woman screaming and crying and a man and a woman yelling inside an apartment above his unit. Kent Police received a 911 call at about 1:43 a.m. on March 30 to report a dispute in the apartment.

When officers arrived they found Golden laying on the ground floor stairwell between the first and second floor of the 1B building. He died at the scene of a gunshot wound to the chest.

Downing fled the scene after the shooting, according to charging papers. Kent Police arrested Downing April 13, 2021 as he left his mother’s apartment in Renton. Detectives tried to question him but he requested a lawyer and the interview ended.

A roommate of Golden called police about the fight between a man and a woman in the apartment above them. He said Golden left the apartment to head toward the unit to do something about the dispute. The roommate followed Golden but was suddenly pushed back down the stairs as Downing reportedly came out of the unit and down the stairs toward them.

Downing then allegedly pulled a gun and shot Golden before running from the building.

Detectives talked to the woman who was in the apartment with Downing. She was reluctant to provide information but eventually stated his name. She later said they had argued about using his vehicle, a Chevrolet Camaro that was still in the parking lot.

Police used cellphone records, video surveillance from the apartment complex and witness statements to connect Downing to the shooting.

The charging documents didn’t state anything about Golden wearing brass knuckles or carrying a tire plug insertion tool as he approached Downing.

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has not returned an email for comment about the verdict.

“Downing will now be tasked with rebuilding his life after two years of incarceration,” Curtis said.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

Donald Cook. COURTESY PHOTO
Ongoing Kent School Board drama flares up again among members

Board rescinds controversial resolution that singled out Donald Cook

t
Kent-based Project Feast hires new executive director

Liz Louie to lead nonprofit that empowers refugee and immigrant cooks

King County Sheriff’s Office new Bell 407GXi Helicopter. Photo courtesy of Angela Van Liew, King County Sheriff’s Office
King County Sheriff’s Office gets new helicopter

It was purchased with the support of King County taxpayers.

t
Kent Youth and Family Services hires new executive director

Trista Helvey takes over after more than a decade with YMCA of Greater Seattle

t
Kent City Council approves $11.2 million purchase of new office space

Buying north Kent building will open up Centennial Center for City Hall, police headquarters

File Photo
Kent Police arrest woman, 29, for stabbing, injuring 42-year-old man

Officers track down woman Oct. 7 four days after incident at man’s East Hill home

t
Kent Police Blotter: Sept. 24 to Oct. 6

Incidents include market arson, shots fired, cars on fire, tow truck driver attack, robberies

t
Wrong-way driver on I-5 off ramp near Kent faces assault, DUI charges

Friday night, Oct. 4 crash near South 272nd Street injures two

t
Meeker Street bridge in Kent expected to reopen by Oct. 11 after repainting

The $2.71 million project had an initial deadline of Sept. 29; deck repairs pushed out to next year

The Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center in Seattle that handles juvenile cases. COURTESY PHOTO, King County
Two Kent teens charged with second-degree assault in beating death of man

They reportedly attacked man to avenge a domestic violence relationship he had with a boy’s mother

The Madison Plaza Apartments in Kent. FILE PHOTO, Steve Hunter/Kent Reporter
Kent apartment rents remain flat in September with drop of 0.1%

Median rent in Kent is $1,416 for a one-bedroom unit and $1,749 for a two-bedroom unit.