In brief: Homicide trial ends in deadlocked jury

A jury deadlocked Tuesday on the vehicular homicide trial of 22-year-old Jonathon P. Bales.

Bales was charged in connection with the July 16, 2010, collision that killed 54-year-old Rene Blaume. Blaume was riding a Racer iScooter in the northbound lane of Wandermere Road near the intersection with Glenrose Drive. Bales was southbound in a 1985 Pontiac Firebird and apparently crossed the centerline and struck Blaume.

Bales, then age 20, had marijuana in his system at the time of the crash, according to court records. Deputy Spokane County Prosecutor Mary Ann Brady said she was not sure of the jury’s count but said she intends to re-try the case before Superior Court Judge Linda Tompkins.

Thomas Clouse

Shoe donations sought for vigil

Shoes are being sought as part of a vigil to remember homicide victims Thursday in Spokane County.

The shoes are to be placed on the lawn Friday next to the Law Enforcement Memorial to reflect the number of people affected by homicide.

“I am in dire need of shoes,” Spokane County victim/witness coordinator Annette Ingham said Tuesday.

Gently used pairs of shoes from boots to flip-flops can be dropped off at the Spokane County prosecutor’s office in the Public Safety Building, the Broadway Center at 721 N. Jefferson St., Lutheran Community Services at 210 W. Sprague Ave., and the YWCA at 930 N. Monroe St.

Donated shoes can also be brought to the vigil, which is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday in the Spokane County Public Works Building next to the courthouse.

The shoes will be donated to Volunteers of America after the display on Friday, Ingham said.

The annual event is part of the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims.

Meghann M. Cuniff

Concert canceled, refunds available

Tonight’s scheduled Blue October concert at the Knitting Factory Concert House has been canceled because of a family emergency in the band’s organization.

Ticket refunds are available from the point of purchase.

Staff reports