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Former SEAL shot in apparent murder

A former Navy SEAL was fatally shot in a rental home outside Washington, D.C., on Dec. 8, the apparent victim of what appears to be a bizarre murder involving booze, drugs and an Internet ad for “erotic services,” authorities said.

Police have charged Willie Donaldson, 35, with the murder of former SEAL Michael Hicks, 32, who left the Navy in 2003 after he was stripped of his SEAL status, a rare occurrence.

Hicks showed up at Donaldson’s home in Arlington, Va., on Dec. 8 after Hicks and a woman had posted online ads offering “erotic services.” Hicks and the woman had agreed to come to Donaldson’s home and provide the services, according to a police search warrant.

The three of them began drinking and the woman later passed out in a hot tub, according to the warrant.

Donaldson called 911 shortly before 4 a.m. and reported that he shot Hicks after Hicks tried to force him to go to an ATM and withdraw money, threatening to kill him if he refused, according to the search warrant.

Police also found prescription sleeping pills in the home.

Hicks left the Navy as a Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class and spent five years assigned to SEAL Team 2 in Virginia, Navy records show.