In brief: Man accused of first-degree murder in stepfather’s death

A murder charge was filed Wednesday in the death of a Malo, Wash., man who died over the weekend after he was assaulted.

Morgan Christensen, 32, is suspected of killing his stepfather and threatening his former girlfriend. He was arrested on Saturday by Ferry County sheriff’s deputies.

The victim, Brian Brill, 51, was killed following an assault at his home on Hidden Meadows Lane.

Christensen faces a first-degree murder charge as well as a charge of domestic violence harassment toward his former girlfriend, who witnessed the killing.

Ferry County prosecutors said Christensen remains in custody on a $500,000 bond. He’s due in Ferry County Superior Court today .

Nicole Hensley

Outdoor bur in most of Spokane County

Outdoor burn bans have been lifted in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood and unincorporated Spokane County.

Recreational fires and open burning are now permitted, Kevin Miller, fire marshal for Spokane Valley Fire Department, said on Thursday. Miller reminded residents in a news release that burning home and garden waste without a permit was permanently banned in Spokane County several years ago.

Randy Vissia, fire code official for the county, also issued a notice Thursday lifting the burn ban for unincorporated areas. The ban had been in effect since Aug. 14.

County rules state that only charcoal, natural gas, propane and firewood may be burned in recreational fires, which must be less than 3 feet wide.

Lynn Swanbom