In brief: Remains ID’d as Greenacres man

The skeletal remains found near Henry Road in Liberty Lake on Saturday by a dog walker have been identified as Greenacres resident Christopher R. Milam, 51.

Milam was reported missing by his wife on April 23. She told police they had argued the previous day and Milam walked away while she slept, according to a May press release from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

She reported that he had been drinking and she hid all the car keys so he could not drive, the release said. The couple had recently moved to the 19800 block of East First Court from Texas.

An autopsy showed that Milam died of a single gunshot wound to the chest and police found a gun near the body.

The death is still under investigation, said Liberty Lake police Chief Brian Asmus. “We are not ruling it a suicide yet,” he said.

Investigators are still checking the gun and will be speaking with family members, Asmus said.  

Public help sought in locating driver

Idaho State Police officials are seeking help locating the driver of a vehicle that struck and killed a Lewiston man in September.

Joshwa Merriken, 36, was killed walking along U.S. Highway 95 near Moscow on Sept. 30. The ISP began investigating the crash on Oct. 15 after finding his body.

Police are looking for a 1986 through 1992 Ford F-series pickup truck or a Bronco, which was likely towing a camper.

They have a list of vehicles in the area matching the description, but checking each vehicle will cost much time and money, so police are urging the driver of the vehicle, witnesses or anyone else with information to come forward.

Merriken was warned numerous times by family and law enforcement about walking along highways dressed in dark, nonreflective clothing.

Because of the circumstances of the collision, it is unlikely charges would have been filed against the driver for striking Merriken, police said.

Anyone with information should contact Trooper Chad Montgomery at (208) 799-5150 and refer to case number L11000833.