Tacoma sisters sentenced to 35–40 years for murder plot robbery

Two sisters were sentenced Friday for plotting a robbery that led to the beating death of a 56-year-old man. One received 40 years, the other 35.

Tacoma sisters sentenced to 35 and 40 years over fatal robbery plot

Two sisters from Tacoma have been handed lengthy prison sentences for orchestrating a robbery that ended in the death of a 56-year-old man, thenewstribune.com reports.

Pamela Gabrilski-Jones, 47, was sentenced to 40 years in prison, while her younger sister Marian Jones-Pardur, 44, received 35 years. Superior Court Judge Timothy Ashcraft imposed the sentences on Friday, following a July jury verdict finding both women guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit second-degree robbery, and first-degree burglary.

The crimes stem from the killing of William Akers on 27 November 2024. Akers lived in a garage on the sisters' father's property. The pair recruited acquaintance Christopher Reyes to rob Akers, knowing he kept large quantities of drugs and cash at the garage — a location where, according to prosecutors, the victim felt safe. Reyes beat Akers to death with a 34-pound air compressor during the early-morning raid, which took place around 3:30 a.m.

Deputy prosecuting attorney Sunni Ko told the court that both sisters bore equal responsibility for Akers' death. "These two defendants, every step of the way, they facilitated the crimes of robbery and burglary, and every step of the way their complicity led to the death of Will Akers," Ko said. No members of Akers' family were present in court to give a victim impact statement. Family of the two defendants attended the hearing.

Ko described how Reyes returned to the sisters after the attack and told them Akers had been seriously injured and was possibly dying — Reyes had taken only two knives and left behind heroin and $1,700 in cash. Ko argued the sisters then went to the scene, saw Akers beaten and bloodied, and planted evidence rather than seeking help. "They could have told the truth, and had they done that, your honor, they would not be here today," Ko said. A defence attorney later disputed the claim that the sisters returned to the scene.

The sentencing ranges for the two sisters differed due to their distinct criminal histories. Both received mid-range punishments within their respective guidelines. Defence attorneys for both women argued for lower-end sentences, citing proportionality. Eric Trujillo, representing Jones-Pardur, asked for roughly 24 years and acknowledged his client bore responsibility for Reyes' conduct as his accomplice. David Katayama, representing Gabrilski-Jones, raised the possibility that his client might not survive a lengthy sentence.

Reyes, 48, faces charges of premeditated first-degree murder and felony murder. He testified against the sisters at trial, and evidence from his mobile phone proved central to the prosecution's case. Despite being the man who carried out the killing, Reyes may serve less time than either sister: prosecutors are expected to recommend a 20-year sentence for second-degree murder as part of a plea agreement. A plea date is scheduled for later this month.

Before sentencing was imposed, both sisters were given the opportunity to address the court. Gabrilski-Jones chose to remain silent. Jones-Pardur said she would not apologise for something she maintained she did not do, but indicated she would accept the punishment handed down.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)