Prosecuting attorney
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Police report details pastor’s shooting
Deputy Brian Hirzel told investigators that he feared for his life before he fired the shot that killed Pastor Wayne Scott Creach. The 733-page investigative file released Thursday by the Spokane Police Department provides the first public glimpse into the deputy’s account of why he opened fire on the 74-year-old man. The documents include forensic, medical and witness reports that detail what happened on Aug. 25 in the parking lot of Creach’s Plant Farm, at 14208 E. Fourth Ave.
Prosecutors reviewing Creach shooting probe
The investigation into last month’s police shooting of a Spokane Valley pastor and businessman has been completed and turned over to county prosecutors for review, authorities said today. Investigators have made no recommendation about whether they feel the shooting of Pastor Wayne Scott Creach on his own property by Spokane County sheriff’s Deputy Brian Hirzel was justified or whether criminal charges should be considered.
Candidate wants WSP to probe shooting
Candidate wants WSP to probe shooting
Tucker still not backed by own party
Tucker still not backed by own party
Candidate wants WSP in charge in Creach case
The Democratic challenger for Spokane County prosecutor on Monday called for the Washington State Patrol to take over the investigation into the fatal shooting of a Spokane Valley pastor. Spokane lawyer Frank Malone said he had not contacted the WSP, but noted they were already involved in the investigation of the Aug. 25 shooting by Deputy Brian Hirzel as part of a protocol that is designed to avoid having a department investigate itself.
Sheriff’s Office looks at Hirzel’s role in online sex toy business
Deputy Brian Hirzel, already under investigation for fatally shooting a Spokane Valley pastor, now is the subject of a new probe. Hirzel failed to disclose, as required under Sheriff’s Office rules, that he and his wife are co-owners of a business that sells sex toys online, and could face disciplinary measures if investigators determine he’s taken an active role in the company’s operations, Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich said Monday.
Primary election creates odd bedfellows
When he announced his candidacy for Spokane County prosecutor, Dave Stevens called the incumbent, Steve Tucker, an “absent administrator.” But after coming in fourth in a six-way primary, Stevens said this week he will endorse Tucker for prosecutor in the November election.
Incumbents persevere, but challenges await
Thousands of votes are still to be counted from Tuesday’s primary, but along with most races, some lessons are clear. Lesson 1: It may be uncomfortable to be an incumbent this year, but it’s not fatal. Few incumbents were eliminated in the state’s top-two primary, but some clearly have their work ahead of them.
Jury convicts man in ’08 murder
A Stevens County jury on Wednesday found Christopher H. Devlin guilty of aggravated first-degree murder for the May 2008 slaying of 52-year-old Daniel Heily, whose bullet-riddled body was found behind a Deer Park liquor store. The jury deliberated three days before convicting Devlin, 57. Because Heily was a state’s witness, Devlin faces only one possible sentence – life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Election results offer up valuable lessons
Thousands of votes are still to be counted from Tuesday’s primary, but along with most races, some lessons are clear.
Primary over. Lessons learned?
Primary over. Lessons learned?
Election roundup: Murray, Rossi tie on the gloves
Sen. Patty Murray will face Dino Rossi in the November general election, continuing the fight for a U.S. Senate seat that started even before the Republican former legislator got into the race in May. With hundreds of thousands of ballots still to count, Murray was pulling down the most votes Tuesday night in the state’s top-two primary, and Rossi was a somewhat distant second, but far ahead of tea party favorite Clint Didier, a former NFL player turned Eltopia farmer. Bellingham businessman Paul Akers ran a distant fourth.
Candidate sues another over contract
Spokane County assessor candidate Sadie Charlene Cooney is suing prosecutor candidate Frank Malone for alleged failure to pay an $81,077 debt. The dispute springs from a contract in which Malone purchased the law firm of Cooney’s late husband, Joseph M. Cooney.
Editorial: Bugbee has skills to lead prosecutors
In 2006, with the Otto Zehm controversy raging, The Spokesman-Review gave Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney Steve Tucker a tepid endorsement because his opponents were so weak. This time the field is stronger. Tucker rode to office in 1998 on a wave of disapproval over the heavy-handed management of his predecessor. Unfortunately, his hands-off style has caused the pendulum to swing in the other direction. He does not call press conferences to get ahead of controversial matters. He does not use the office to educate the public on why prosecutions are handled a certain way. Like it or not, public perception of the office matters, but he stays silent.
Prosecutor hindered by cuts
A consultant says he found no “aha” solution to a budget-driven slowdown in the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office. “A budget cut of the size imposed upon the prosecutor’s office is bound to have serious repercussions, as it appears that it did,” longtime Florida prosecutor Randy McGruther reported.
Spokane County prosecutor
To allow readers to compare and contrast the five candidates for Spokane County prosecutor, The Spokesman-Review asked the candidates the same three questions: • How concerned should the public be over the large number of felony suspects being released without charges being filed within 72 hours?
Four seek to unseat prosecutor
When defense attorney Chris Bugbee addressed a room full of Republicans in June, he told them that he not only intends to defeat incumbent Spokane County Prosecutor Steve Tucker, Bugbee said he intends to retire from the office. The bold prediction not only illustrates Bugbee’s quick emergence as a front-runner but how contentious the primary contest has become.
Chris Bugbee: I’ll retire as prosecutor
Chris Bugbee: I’ll retire as prosecutor
Four seek to unseat prosecutor
When defense attorney Chris Bugbee addressed a room full of Republicans in June, he told them that he not only intends to defeat incumbent Spokane County Prosecutor Steve Tucker, Bugbee said he intends to retire from the office. The bold prediction not only illustrates Bugbee’s quick emergence as a front-runner but how contentious the primary contest has become.
Spokane County prosecutor candidates, issues
To allow readers to compare and contrast the five candidates for Spokane County prosecutor, The Spokesman-Review asked the candidates the same three questions.