Lacey man gets 30 years in prison for killing neighbor

A Lacey man was sentenced to 30 years in state prison for the murder of his neighbor in August 2023 after a jury found him guilty of the crime last month.

Scott M. Brodrick, 43, was sentenced at a hearing before Superior Court Judge John C. Skinder on Friday, March 7, Washington Courts records show. 

He received 300 months in state prison for first-degree murder with an additional 60 months for using a firearm while committing the crime. Brodrick will also have to serve 36 months of community custody upon release.

The sentence was rendered about one month after a jury convicted Brodrick on Feb. 5 of shooting and killing his neighbor, Brian Fraley, of Lacey.

“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 in a statement that accompanied an announcement of the jury verdict from Thurston County.

“We also extend our gratitude to our law enforcement partners for their thorough investigative work and strong partnership throughout this case.”

Lacey Police Department officers responded to the scene of the shooting after receiving several reports of gunfire at a residence in the 5500 block of Chelan Lane SE on the morning of Aug. 21, 2023.

“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,” the announcement stated. “Investigators identified Brodrick as the suspect through witness statements and Ring camera footage.”

The incident led to a four-day search for Brodrick, who was apprehended by local authorities in a fast-food parking lot on Quinault Drive in Lacey in the early evening of Aug. 25, 2023.

“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,” the announcement stated.

“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 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.”