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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

In brief: Friends, family mourn slain woman

Friends and family of Sharlotte McGill gathered at the Spokane Club on Saturday to remember a woman they said could make anyone smile.

McGill, 55, was stabbed to death May 3 while walking her dog near the Spokane River in what police are investigating as a random attack.

KHQ-TV reported that McGill’s daughter, Billie McKinney, thanked everyone for the love and prayers she has received.

McKinney described her mother as a passionate woman who saw the good in the world.

Police have not named a suspect in McGill’s death and are asking for help from the community.

Her attacker is described as a black male in his 30s with a “bad eye.” Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.

Courthouse steps will reopen Monday

Front steps leading to the ornate south entry of the Spokane County Courthouse are scheduled to reopen in a ribbon ceremony at 11 a.m. on Monday.

Crews are spending the weekend moving a security screening station to be ready for business on Monday.

The project, including new steps and handicap access, is part of a multiyear effort to restore the historical integrity of the towering 1895 French Renaissance building.

The building architect, Willis Ritchie, also designed the Old State Capitol in Olympia and the Jefferson County Courthouse in Port Townsend, Wash.

Spokane’s courthouse has been listed on the national historic register since 1974 and the state register since 1986.

In rebuilding the entry, crews retained portions of the original granite steps, columns and railings.

Spokane Valley man found dead in trailer

PLUMMER, Idaho – A Washington man is dead and a North Idaho man has been taken into custody, according to authorities.

The Coeur d’Alene Press reports that 39-year-old Thomas Richard Schoolcraft was found dead Friday in a trailer home on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation. Police said he was a Spokane Valley resident.

Authorities say 28-year-old Joseph L. James, of Plummer, has been charged under tribal code with homicide, burglary and aggravated battery. He is being held in the Kootenai County Jail without bail.

The FBI is also investigating the death. FBI spokesman Todd Palmer said the agency for now is calling the death suspicious.

Benewah County Coroner Ronald Hodge said an autopsy was performed Friday in Spokane.

Man sentenced for roommate’s death

TACOMA – A Puyallup, Wash., man has been sentenced to more than 32 years in prison for fatally shooting his roommate before burying her in nearby woods.

Kelly Earnest Merz, 51, was found guilty in March of killing 33-year-old Cori Lewis and sexually violating her remains.

According to the News Tribune of Tacoma, evidence showed Merz had first tried to break his roommate’s neck before shooting her in the head after the two argued. Sheriff’s deputies arrested Merz after he told his ex-wife what he had done.