Spokane motel killing was strangulation, police say
Spokane police believe a man strangled his girlfriend early Thursday morning at a downtown Spokane motel.
Officers arrested Michael W. Baesman, 36, in connection with the death of Shawna Wyatt, 34, at the Downtowner Motel, 165 S. Washington St.
Police received a call shortly before 6 a.m. about two people arguing in Room 203, Major Crimes Lt. Mark Griffiths said. Upon arrival, patrol officers found Wyatt dead in the room.
The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office said in a news release that Wyatt was strangled and ruled her death a homicide.
Police arrested Baesman at a gas station near Illinois Avenue and Hamilton Street after receiving a tip about his location. He was arrested without incident, Griffiths said.
Baesman was booked into the Spokane County Jail on a count of second-degree murder.
At least half a dozen police cars had the motel surrounded and blocked off several hours after the woman’s body was found. Officers were inside the room and in the process of obtaining a search warrant for a more thorough search.
Griffiths said there were no outstanding suspects or witnesses to the crime.
Late last year, Baesman was sentenced to one day in jail and 12 months probation after he was convicted of fourth-degree assault.
Editor’s note: This article was changed on January 16, 2015 to correct the spelling of Shawna Wyatt. The original, incorrect spelling was provided by the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office.