Gang banger charged with “slap boxing” murder

A Lakewood gang member is now charged with murder for shooting another man after a “slap boxing” match got out of hand.

Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist says William Horton, 32, and Charles Pitts, 29, were hanging out a Lakewood apartment when the pair got in a heated discussion about whose gang is better. Horton told police he’s a member of the Gangster Disciples from Chicago, while Pitts was a Lakewood Hustler Crip. The argument led to a “slap boxing” match, where the combatants hit each other with open hands.

But Horton told detectives Pitts hit him too hard and insulted his gang affiliation, so he pulled a .45 caliber pistol from his waistband and shot the victim twice.

Lindquist says witnesses heard shots and saw the victim fall to the floor. They then saw him drag the victim to the parking lot, where officers found Horton standing over the victim holding his gun. He reportedly told police Pitts was dead and laughed.

“This case highlights the senselessness of gang violence,” Lindquist says. Horton is charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm.