Salem Man Arrested in Connection With Florence Boatwright Homicide

Darius Pittman pled not guilty to the murder charge against him on Friday.

Darius Pittman Photo: Marion County Sheriff

(SALEM) - A 23-year old Salem man has been charged with murder and burglary in connection with the death of Salem resident Florence Boatwright.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office say they have charged Darius Pittman with the homicide that occurred at 403 45th Ave SE in Salem Tuesday, November 28th. It was reported at about 3:30 AM.

An arraignment on those charges is set for 8:30 AM tomorrow, Friday, February 23rd.

Pittman has been lodged in the Marion County Jail on other charges unrelated to this case since January 4th.

77-year old Florence Boatwright and her husband Joe had reported a burglary in their home Oct. 11th.

The Boatwrights have two daughters and a son. Friends say the entire family had just gotten together in Salem for a biennial "Christmas for Thanksgiving" celebration.

Florence Boatwright grew up in Salem and lived there most of her life. She was a long-time member of Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on State Street.

Related stories on Salem-News.com: Alleged Purse Snatcher Leads Deputies on Car Chase Through Northeast Salem

Reward Offered in Florence Boatwright Murder

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He's my uncle and I now I get to see him out of prison

he is my good friend

DRUGS OR NO DRUGS YOU SHOULD NEVER MURDER SOMEONE!!! Was is worthe it to take someone's life???? THAT WAS MY GREAT AUNT HE MURDERED! How would you feel if someone took you family member's life? Beating and elderly woman is just aweful!!

Time to face the consequence. Wether on drugs or not, you know the difference between right and wrong. I don't know what to think about Darius anymore. He didn't care about no one but himself, so why care about him. All I feel is pity that he's at a dead end. I'd rather be dead than be in prison.

Time to face the consequence. Wether on drugs or not, you know the difference between right and wrong. I don't know what to think about Darius anymore.

This is a very unfortunate situation. One family lost a loved one to murder and another family lost a loved one to drugs. I knew Darius when he lived in Hawaii for awhile...back then he was a good, sweet and motivated young man trying to succeed in life. Unfortunately he decided to move and it seems things were not too successful for him thereafter.

He killed my Aunt he diserves to die a painful death!

I HOPE HE GETS THE DEATH PENALTY...AND REMEMBER TO DROP THE SOAP!

I know him too. I love him with all my heart. He's my best friend. The real killer is METH.

I know him too. Sweetest guy in the world. I know first hand, drugs, especially METH, is the cause. This could be you, stay up for 1 week on meth and see if you can think straight. I love this guy and perhaps he just made a very bad decision. I know he is sorry.

I know this guy personally...we went to high school together and also dated for awhile, it saddens me that he did this. Meth makes people do crazy things!

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