Sketch Released Of Beating Suspect

Police have released a sketch of a man wanted in the severe beating of a 37-year-old Coeur d’Alene man.

Gary Newsom remained in serious condition late Tuesday at Kootenai Medical Center. He suffered several facial and head injuries Saturday night when he was punched and kicked dozens of times by an intruder.

The man’s attacker, who identified himself as “Joe,” appears to have sought out his victim. However, Newsom told police he did not recognize his assailant.

Friends of Newsom told police a dispute with a former girlfriend may have motivated the beating. Detectives are investigating a possible connection between the weekend incident and Newsom’s arrest last month on a charge that he battered an ex-girlfriend.

Witnesses described the man who beat Newsom as about 6 feet 2 inches tall and 240 pounds. He has short blond or brown hair and a muscular build.

A second man, who prevented a friend from helping Newsom, also is being sought. He has a dark complexion, is about 6 feet tall, 170 pounds and in his 20s. He has short brown hair and brown eyes.

Both may have left in a white 1990s GMC or Chevrolet pickup. Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call the Coeur d’Alene Police at 769-2290.