BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A Marysville man has pleaded guilty to a 2023 murder at Boulevard Park.

23-year-old Elijah Belmont could face up to life in prison and a $50,000 fine for the killing of Henry King.

Belmont was arrested in December 2023, nine months after King was found dead in the water near Taylor Dock with multiple gunshot wounds.

Belmont confessed to the killing, but claimed he shot in self-defense which ran contrary to evidence found at the scene. King was known around the community for frequenting Boulevard Park and offering sports cards for sale.

A memorial bench in his name has since been installed at the park along South Bay Trail.

Belmont’s sentencing is set for 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 22 in Whatcom County Superior Court.