Man found not guilty of manslaughter in stabbing

A Spokane jury acquitted a man of manslaughter Wednesday in the stabbing death of another man during fight last March.

Court documents show that Arturo Rodriguez-Ramos, 27, got in a fight with Shawn Stevens, 27, at an apartment complex at 1509 E. Seventh Avenue on March 19. Rodriguez-Ramos’ girlfriend, who lived there, went outside and told a group of people that her boyfriend was being abusive and she wanted him out of her apartment, according to court documents.

Stevens was one of several people who responded to her request and made Rodriguez-Ramos leave the apartment. As he was leaving Rodriquez-Ramos and Stevens began fighting. Witnesses said that Stevens punched Rodriguez-Ramos several times before Rodriquez-Ramos stabbed Stevens once in the chest, court documents said.