Spokane detectives began investigating the city’s 11th homicide of 1996 after a man shot in an East Central apartment died at the hospital Monday night.

Investigators remained tight-lipped about the shooting Tuesday, refusing to say if they had a motive or suspects.

Police spokesman Dick Cottam said detectives interviewed several witnesses, but he released few other details.

Richard William Perez, 24, of Florida was shot once in the side in an apartment at 2108 E. First Avenue, police said.

He was found shortly after 10 p.m., lying at the bottom of a staircase leading to the second-floor unit where the shooting occurred.

Tammy Smythe, who lives in the apartment, said Tuesday a woman visiting her home shot the man at close range following an argument.

Smythe described the shooter as a black woman with a light complexion whom she knows only as “Kelly.”

Smythe said Kelly was visiting her apartment Monday night with a mutual friend and several other people.

Perez arrived some time later, and he and Kelly went into a bedroom to talk, Smythe said.

Smythe said she heard the two arguing and then a thump on the wall.

When they came out into the small living room, Kelly pulled out a revolver and shot Perez as several witnesses - including two of Smythe’s children - watched.

The shooter then ran from the apartment.

Smythe, who’s lived there for two months, said she suspects the dispute was over drugs.

“This is a bad neighborhood,” she said, referring to the prostitution and drug dealing prevalent in the area. “I’m looking to move.”

Smythe said police were at her home until nearly 4 a.m. Tuesday gathering evidence and questioning her and other witnesses.

, DataTimes