Medical examiner confirms Jones died by gunshot

The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Friday that Danny C. Jones, 40, died from multiple gunshot wounds, calling his death a homicide. Jones was shot early Thursday morning by four Spokane police officers after Jones crashed into multiple vehicles, including police cars. Police had boxed Jones in the Salvation Army’s parking lot at 204 E. Indiana, where Jones and his family were staying. Jones, who was unarmed, had been diagnosed with mental illnesses including schizophrenia, and anxiety and bipolar disorders, but he was taking his medication as prescribed, said Jones’ wife, Nancy Jones. He reportedly was on disability because of his mental illnesses. Police are withholding the identities of the four officers involved for at least 72 hours. The incident is being investigated by the Spokane Investigative Regional Response Team, composed of the Spokane Police Department, Washington State Patrol and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. Court documents show Jones’ criminal history also includes convictions for theft, possession of stolen property, malicious mischief, taking a motor vehicle, attempting to elude police and driving on a suspended license. He was recently released from prison in Western Washington where he served a sentence on drug charges and a probation violation. The couple moved into the Salvation Army’s family emergency shelter on the agency’s north Spokane campus less than two weeks ago, Nancy Jones said. The couple has three children, ages 15, 14 and 4.