Murder suspect facing life in prison for third strike

Thu., Nov. 17, 2016

By Nina Culver nculver47@gmail.com

The man accused of throwing a deadly punch outside a Spokane restaurant on Saturday evening is facing his third strike and life in prison.

Andre S. Joseph allegedly punched another man in the head at The Flame restaurant and bar. The victim was rushed to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead early the next morning. Joseph faces life in prison if convicted, because anyone convicted of violent felonies in three separate incidents must be sentenced to life in prison.

In addition to Joseph’s criminal convictions, he has a long history of failing to appear in court and failing to comply with release conditions, said prosecuting attorney Kyle Treece in court Thursday. “He does have an atrocious record,” he said.

Treece called Saturday’s assault a “brutal attack.” Witnesses said Joseph called Richard Natucci’s female companion a vulgar name and the two agreed to “take it outside.” Treece said surveillance video shows Joseph quickly turning and punching Natucci in the head while Natucci was still walking through the front door. Natucci fell backward and did not move.

“He didn’t attempt to get aid for his victim,” Treece said. “He then immediately turned off his cellphone so it couldn’t ping.”

Joseph was ordered held on $1 million bond on a charge of second-degree murder.

His past convictions include delivery of a controlled substance, bail jumping, riot, second-degree attempted assault and third-degree assault.

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