A state legislator’s claim that a fiery triple homicide north of Spokane is connected to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office drew a furious rebuke and threat of political payback by Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich.

Rep. Matt Shea’s assertions – based on rumors and writings by critics of the sheriff – prompted Knezovich to call on fellow GOP officials and political hopefuls to disavow the controversial Shea or he will yank his election endorsements.

Shea represents Spokane Valley in the state Legislature and is a favorite of the tea party and far-right-leaning groups. He jumped into the national fray on issues including support for the ill-fated occupation of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge in Oregon. The establishment wing of the GOP has failed in attempts to unseat him.

Knezovich has strong support among the different Republican factions splitting the party and has cruised to re-election twice, retaining widespread support of more centrist Republicans.

The two have sparred for years, but Shea’s latest salvo, linking Knezovich and Spokane County sheriff’s Deputy Travis Pendell to murder suspect Roy Murry, has been met with outrage.

“This is the most egregious thing Shea has ever done,” Knezovich said. “I would like to know how long the Republican Party is going to tolerate Shea’s actions.”

Knezovich said Tuesday that Shea’s allegations, made in his podcast, are untrue and just the latest in a series of attacks/Pia Hallenberg, SR. More here (subscription).

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