Rape trial halted after suspect’s suicide
A Spokane man on trial for rape killed himself at his home during a break in court proceedings Thursday.
Harvey S. Marshall, 49, was charged with third-degree rape for an alleged incident in August 2008; the alleged victim was not a stranger to him, according to court documents.
Spokane County Superior Court Judge Sam Cozza dismissed the charge on Thursday after Harvey fatally shot himself while at home during a lunch break.
The jury trial began Monday; closing arguments were scheduled Thursday afternoon. Marshall was arrested in February 2009 but was out of jail on bond.
The Spokesman-Review does not identify suicide victims, but Marshall’s death halted a public proceeding.