Detectives asking for leads in killing

Spokane County sheriff’s detectives continue to investigate the killing of a 52-year-old Native American man found dead Monday.

Rick L. Tiwater was killed by blunt force to his head and chest. His body was discovered by a man riding his four-wheel, off-road vehicle near the 13400 block of East Laurel Road in north Spokane County.

The body was about 150 feet off of Laurel Road, up a seldom-used trail.

While investigators have identified Tiwater, they are no closer to learning who killed him, Deputy David Thornburg said.

“We want to talk to anybody who has seen him recently or knows his friends or knows the vehicles he has owned,” Thornburg said. “We are taking any and all leads.”

Tiwater has lived on the West Coast, in the Tri-Cities and most recently in Spokane, Thornburg said.

Anyone who has information about Tiwater can call Detective Tim Hines at 477-6626. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call Secret Witness at 327-5111.