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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sirens & Gavels

Shellye Stark’s convictions overturned

Shellye Stark testifies in Spokane County Superior Court March 12. She's charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder for the Dec. 9, 2007, shooting death of her husband, Dale Robert Stark. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)
Shellye Stark testifies in Spokane County Superior Court March 12. She's charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder for the Dec. 9, 2007, shooting death of her husband, Dale Robert Stark. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)

The murder conviction against a Spokane woman who claimed she killed her husband in self defense after years of forced prostitution has been thrown out by a state appeals court.

In a 3-0 ruling, the appellate court’s 3rd division ordered a new trial for Shellye L. Stark, who is serving a 51-year prison sentence for the Dec. 9, 2007, shooting death of Dale R. Stark at 1620 S. Maple on Spokane’s South Hill.

The judges found fault with the trial court’s jury instructions and other legal technicalities.

Read my full story here.

Click here for past coverage. (I covered every day of the trial.)



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