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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sirens & Gavels

Ferry Co. man convicted in ‘07 fatal shooting

A Ferry County man faces at least 11 years in prison after a jury convicted him of recklessly killing a man who'd let him stay at his rural home.

Philip J. "Jeb" Strong was convicted Monday of first-degree manslaughter for the April 2007 death of Trent V. Irby, 37.

Strong had been living with Irby and Irby's girlfriend at the home on Tonasket Creek Road about 20 miles north of Republic, Wash., but the couple had asked them to move out.

Strong claimed self defense and "claimed that he was harassed by the victim on numerous occasions leading up the use of force," said Strong's lawyer, Stephen Graham. Strong was originally convicted of second-degree murder, but that was overturned on appeal because the jury didn't have the option of manslaughter, Graham said.

"The prosecution's contention was that Strong simply snapped and went in there and executed the guy," Graham said.

But Graham said Irby had a gun that his girlfriend hid from police, because both were felons prohibited from possessing firearms.

Strong has been in the Ferry County Jail since his arrest. He faces 11.5 to 13.5 years in prison when he's sentenced today.

Past coverage:

April 6, 2007: First-degree murder charges planned in shooting



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