Cause of inmate’s death unknown

An autopsy performed Tuesday on the inmate found dead in his cell last weekend did not reveal a cause of death.

“There were no obvious physical signs of the cause of death,” said Detective Mike Ricketts. Toxicology tests will be required to establish the cause, which will take at least six weeks.

Gerard C. Leake, 50, was found dead in his cell about 10:30 p.m. Sunday, said Spokane County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Dave Reagan.

Leake was offered prescribed medicine twice by a jail nurse, but he had refused to take the medicine or eat food “for the past several days.”

Leake put his mattress on the floor of his cell about 8:30 p.m. Sunday and lay down on it. Officers saw him breathing and believed he was sleeping, Reagan said.

An officer making his rounds at 10:30 p.m. attempted unsuccessfully to wake Leake by yelling at him. After deputies entered the man’s cell, they determined Leake was dead.

Leake was serving a one-year sentence for first-degree driving with a suspended license as a habitual offender.

Attack on girl may be gang related

A 16-year-old girl remained hospitalized Tuesday after a violent attack thought to be related to gang rivalry.

Spokane police are seeking witnesses of the assault, said Spokane police spokesman Cpl. Tom Lee.

Police think the girl was hit from behind with a blunt object after she yelled at rival gang members, Lee said. The girl was attacked about 1 p.m. Monday as she walked on Sprague Avenue just east of Bernard.

The teen suffered seven fractures to her spine and pelvis, Lee said.

Anyone with information should call (509) 242-8477.