Spokane man admits killing his mother with a frying pan and a knife

A Spokane man recently pleaded guilty to killing his 73-year-old mother by hitting her over the head with a frying pan and stabbing her before concealing her body in a recycling bin.

William W. Bassett Jr., 54, has been in the Spokane County Jail since he was arrested in February. At the time of his arrest he told police he suffered from a multiple personality disorder, according to court documents.

Bassett was examined at Eastern State Hospital, where they found no evidence of a personality disorder. A staff psychologist said Bassett often talked about trying to a get a plea deal for a reduced sentence and determined Bassett was competent to stand trial, according to court documents.

At the time of the crime Bassett had been sharing a home with his mother, Wanda Bush, at 3423 W. Hoffman Ave.

Bassett was sentenced to 20 years in prison for second-degree murder. He was also ordered to serve three years of probation after his release from prison.