In brief: No death penalty in stabbing case

The Benewah County prosecutor doesn’t intend to seek the death penalty for four people charged with first-degree murder after an April 17 stabbing in Plummer.

“Based upon what I know right now, it doesn’t fit the criteria for a death penalty case,” Prosecutor Doug Payne said Wednesday. “This is a violent murder but it doesn’t appear to clearly … fit the criteria.”

Antowyn D. “Tony” Swiney, 37, was stabbed to death at his girlfriend’s Plummer home after a confrontation at a Spokane bar.

Charged with first-degree murder are Jody A. Miller, 41; his wife, Kelly A. Miller, 40; her son, Irael S. Kennedy, 21; and Stephen R. Milton, 22.

Each is charged with murder because all are believed to have aided in the crime, Payne said in a previous news story. However, bail for Jody Miller and Kennedy has been set at $1 million while Kelly Miller and Milton face $500,000 bonds. The amounts reflect the suspected level of involvement.

The murder case is the third in Benewah County in the 17 years Payne has been prosecutor.

Staff reports

Gondola ride in park opens today

The Spokane Falls SkyRide at Riverfront Park opens today.

The gondola ride, which is open daily, features views of the Spokane River, currently raging with spring runoff.

The cost is $4 for children 12 and younger, $6.25 for ages 13 to 17 and military members with identification, and $7.25 for adults. Children 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Prices are discounted for groups of 15 or more; groups must call ahead.

For more information, visit www.spokane riverfrontpark.com.

Staff reports