Man found dead after assault

A Spokane man was found dead in his home eight days after he was assaulted by an ex-boyfriend, but officials have not determined a cause of death. Edward Weed, 46, died in his home in the 5400 block of North Ash St. sometime after Oct. 29. His mother found his decomposing body on Nov. 6 and called police. Police arrested Michael E. Harmon, 32, on Saturday for robbery, burglary and assault after he told investigators he’d had a physical altercation with Weed at Weed’s home on Oct. 29. According to court documents, Weed’s mother told police Harmon had previously had a relationship with her son. But autopsy results showed Weed’s injuries, which included a fractured nose and cuts on his forehead and cheek, would not have been enough to kill him. A cause of death is pending the results of additional tests, including a toxicology analysis. According to court documents, Harmon told police he backhanded or punched Weed in the face several times, apparently rendering him unconscious. Weed fell onto a couch in his house, and Harmon took several items from the house, including Weed’s phone and packs of cigarettes. Harmon returned to Weed’s house on Nov. 3 and found Weed in the same position, with “black hands.” He told police he believed Weed was dead, but did not want to call 911. Instead, he bagged an Xbox and other items and left them in Weed’s house, intending to return later. Harmon also told police he had taken 12 Adderall pills before assaulting Weed. Harmon has seven previous misdemeanor domestic violence convictions for assault and violating protection and no-contact orders. He pleaded guilty to a felony domestic violence charge in September 2012. He is being held in the Spokane County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bond. Toxicology results for Weed are expected in about two months, the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office said.