Convicted sex offender found guilty of killing roommate in 'bloody carpet' case -- sentenced to more than 21 years in prison



SENTENCING UPDATE June 15, 2016 --
On Wednesday, Michael Boisselle was sentenced to more than 21 years in prison for the shooting of his roommate, Brandon Zomalt, in August of 2014.

“Michael Boisselle killed Brandon Zomalt and then destroyed evidence to avoid accountability," said Prosecutor Mark Lindquist. “Thanks to the good work of Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys John Neeb and Gerald Ham who tied together the remaining evidence, Boisselle is being held accountable."

CASE UPDATE May 24, 2016 --

Michael Boisselle has been found guilty of second-degree murder.

Pierce County prosecutors say a first-degree murder charge against him was dropped after jurors couldn't decide whether the killing was premeditated.

Boisselle faces 17 to 25 years in prison.

His sentencing is set for June 10th.

CAPTURE UPDATE December 19, 2014 --
Michael Boisselle was arrested and booked into the Pierce County Jail on Friday.

FUGITIVE WANTED IN PIERCE COUNTY September 5, 2014 --
Accused killer, Michael Boisselle of South Hill was charged with murder Friday in the shooting death of his roommate, Brandon Zomalt, whose body was found after his DNA was linked to bloody carpet and towels left by the side of a road in Auburn.

“The suspect is still at large and anyone with information should contact the Sheriff’s Department,” said Pierce County prosecutor Mark Lindquist.

According to the prosecutor's office, Boisselle, 34, told witnesses that he shot Zomalt, 30, because he was frustrated with him and didn’t want him to stay at his home any longer. Boisselle told his mother that he needed to get out of the area immediately and that she would not hear from him again.

The investigation began Aug. 13, when an off-duty federal agent noticed a fire on the side of Peasley Canyon Road in Auburn. He extinguished the fire and discovered it was fueled by bloodied carpet, clothing and towels. A man who was standing near the fire fled in his dark SUV when he saw the agent, police said.

Samples of the blood were sent to the Washington State Patrol’s crime lab, where DNA analysis identified the blood as belonging to Zomalt. Friends and family had not seen or heard from Zomalt for weeks.

On Sept. 1, Pierce County sheriff’s deputies responded to a South Hill home to perform a welfare check. In the garage, they found Zomalt’s severely decomposed body. Detectives determined the home was rented by Boisselle, and Zomalt had been temporarily staying there.

The Pierce County medical examiner determined died Zomalt from multiple gunshot wounds to the torso and head.

Boisselle is black, 5-foot-6, 170 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He is a Level II sex offender for a 2009 conviction for third-degree child molestation.

If you know where he is, call an anonymous tip into:
CRIME STOPPERS: 1-800-222-TIPS

You must call the Crime Stoppers hotline with your tip to be eligible to receive a cash reward for information leading to a fugitive’s arrest.

Click here for information on how to text a tip to Crime Stoppers