Man’s body found at strip mall

A Spokane man died late Monday or early Tuesday after a possible struggle outside a Spokane Valley liquor store.

Dean Leroy Ray, 46, was found face-down on the sidewalk at a strip mall at 5004 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane County sheriff’s Sgt. Dave Reagan said.

His body was found about 7:40 a.m. by a delivery driver who arrived to unload supplies for the liquor store, Reagan said.

Ray used a wheelchair, which was sitting about 12 feet from his body.

His coat was found between the wheelchair and his body, raising questions about how it came off. Two other objects lay on the sidewalk near the coat, but Reagan didn’t identify them.

Scuff marks were found near the wheelchair, indicating a possible struggle, Reagan said.

Investigators learned from a witness that Ray was pushed in his chair to the strip mall about 6:45 p.m. Monday. He was seen alive as late as 11:30 p.m.

Earlier Monday, he had been released from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Spokane.

“Ray had lived at several addresses in and around Spokane, but despite his frequent moves, detectives did not classify him as a transient,” Reagan said in a prepared statement.

Detectives are seeking information on Ray’s activities Monday. The investigators also want to interview the man who pushed Ray to the mall, Reagan said.

Detectives from the Spokane Valley Police Department and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

Officers and volunteers cordoned off the mall containing the liquor store, a cigar shop and a barber shop to search for clues.

Kelly Berger, who cuts hair at the Man Shop in the strip mall, said two employees there reported seeing Ray outside about 7 p.m.

An autopsy was conducted Tuesday afternoon.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.