In brief: Human skeleton found in Liberty Lake

A man walking his dogs Saturday stumbled on a human skeleton in the 20000 block of Henry Road in Liberty Lake.

Liberty Lake Police Chief Brian Asmus said the remains were found on a hillside. The clothed skeleton was partially hidden by rocks and brush and a semiautomatic pistol was found nearby.

An autopsy was completed Tuesday, which determined that the male of unknown age died from a single gunshot wound to the chest, Asmus said. A bullet was recovered that matched the caliber of the gun found near the body, he said.

“We were not able to get a positive identification on the skeletal remains,” he said. “The medical examiner is sending it in for a forensic dental examination.”

The department is looking at local missing persons reports as well, Asmus said.

Nina Culver

Gregoire to chime in on same-sex marriage

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire will break her silence on an effort to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state.

Gregoire has invited sponsors of the soon-to-be- introduced bill to Olympia today for a news conference on the issue.

Gregoire has long supported the state’s domestic partnership laws but has not yet given a firm signal on whether she supports same-sex marriage.

Gregoire spokeswoman Karina Shagren declined to provide further details Tuesday.

Lawmakers will return to the Capitol on Monday for the start of a 60-day legislative session, and Democratic Sen. Ed Murray, of Seattle, said he expects a bill to legalize same-sex marriage to be introduced next week.

Associated Press

Police investigating 2-month-old’s death

Spokane Valley police are investigating the death of a 2-month-old infant.

Deputies responded to a home in the 11600 block of East Broadway Avenue about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday after a medic reported an infant who was not breathing, said Mark Gregory, spokesman for the Spokane Valley Police Department.

The baby was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead shortly after.

Detectives were called to the scene and continue to investigate.

An autopsy is to be conducted today. Police would not release further details.

Meghann M. Cuniff