In brief: May 14 trial date set in child homicide case
A judge Wednesday ordered Jonathan D. Lytle and Adriana L. Lytle to remain in jail, each on a $500,000 bond, and set a tentative trial date of May 14 for a jury to hear the homicide by abuse case.
The Lytles are charged with the March 11 death of 4-year-old Summer Phelps. Spokane police detectives have said in court documents that Phelps was a victim of severe abuse.
The Lytles appeared before Superior Court Judge Michael Price and pleaded not guilty to the charge, which could keep each of them in prison for life.
Assistant Public Defender John Whaley said 32-year-old Adriana Lytle, who was the girl’s stepmother, has no criminal record. He asked Price to reduce her bond to $50,000 or $100,000.
Assistant Public Defender Dennis Dressler asked the same for 28-year-old Jonathan Lytle, who was Summer’s biological father. His record shows four misdemeanor convictions.
Price said the $500,000 bond was appropriate. “I’m extremely concerned about what I read in the (probable cause) affidavit,” he said.
– Thomas Clouse
Investigation into shooting continues
An investigation into Spokane Police Officer James “Jay” Olsen’s off-duty shooting of a man he accused of stealing his truck is expected to be concluded next week, officials said.
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation of the Feb. 26 shooting.
Olsen, a 16-year police veteran, remains on paid administrative leave.
Spokane Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said whether or not the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office brings criminal charges against Olsen, she will do an administrative review to determine whether any policies or procedures were violated.
Shonto K. Pete, 27, was shot in the head by Olsen after the two encountered each other outside a downtown bar. Pete was hospitalized for two days. He has not been charged with car theft.
Pete’s attorney, David Partovi, says his client only asked Olsen for a ride.
– Jody Lawrence-Turner
Spokane Valley
Man arrested after two-hour standoff
Spokane Valley police arrested a man Wednesday morning on an outstanding warrant after a few tense moments involving his 2-year-old daughter and reports of a knife.
Wayne Leon Cramer was arrested at 10309 E. Springfield after a domestic violence incident with his girlfriend, said Spokane Valley police Sgt. George Wigen.
Wigen said that Cramer’s girlfriend left the house about 8:45 a.m. and told police that Cramer was inside with their daughter, adding that he might have a knife.
Police determined that Cramer was wanted on a warrant for contempt of court out of Port Angeles. They responded to the house, surrounding it in case Cramer tried to escape.
Police spoke to Cramer for about two hours before he surrendered. The child was unharmed, said Wigen.
Cramer was arrested on the warrant but not on domestic violence charges, said Wigen.
– Amy Cannata