Man charged with murder after assault at The Flame

A man has been charged with second-degree murder after reportedly punching another man in the head – who later died in the hospital – during a fight at a restaurant in East Central Spokane.

Medics were called to The Flame restaurant and bar at about 7:30 p.m. Saturday on a report of an unconscious man outside the business, according to court documents. Richard Natucci, 64, was unresponsive and had “severe head injury.”

According to court documents, Spokane Police Department major crimes detectives believe Natucci was punched by Andre S. Joseph, 47, after the two got into a verbal altercation because Joseph used a derogatory word to describe Natucci’s female acquaintance. Security footage shows the two had a short discussion, then witnesses said, they “took it outside.”

There, video surveillance shows Joseph quickly turning and punching Natucci in the head while he was standing with his arms at his sides, court documents say. The video shows Natucci falling backward onto the pavement outside the restaurant at 2401 E. Sprague and lying motionless.

Natucci was rushed to Sacred Heart Medical Center where he was treated for a severe head injury. He was pronounced dead by medical staff at about 4:50 a.m. Sunday.

The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office determined Natucci died from blunt force trauma, and ruled his death a homicide.

Joseph, who goes by the name “Scottie,” was scheduled to appear in court early Wednesday afternoon. However, a corrections officer said he was still in the booking area and was being uncooperative.

The jail roster shows that Joseph was booked into jail at 6:50 a.m. Wednesday. He was arrested after a standoff with police at a home in the 500 block of East Sanson Avenue that lasted several hours. He came outside peacefully once the bomb squad breached the front door, Spokane Police Officer Shane Phillips said.

Joseph’s father, Lloyd Joseph, came to court Wednesday to see his son and said he didn’t know why his son was refusing to come to court.

“I think at the moment he’s scared,” he said. “I don’t know what’s going on with him.”

Lloyd Joseph said he hadn’t talked to his son about what happened and didn’t know any details. He also said he didn’t know why his son initially refused to surrender to police. “I’m glad that he came out peacefully,” he said.

Andre Joseph’s criminal history includes convictions for delivery of a controlled substance, bail jumping, riot, third-degree assault and attempted assault.