Family of Shooting Victim Believes Addiction Played a Factor in His Death

VIDEO – DRUGS KILL IN MANY WAYS –

Sept. 4, 2023 – According to authorities, just before 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Spokane Police Department (SPD) officers responded to reports of a shooting in the area. There, they found a man with multiple gunshot wounds, and despite life-saving measures being taken, the victim died on scene.

Initial reports indicate that a bail bondsman was attempting to take the victim into custody when an altercation occurred, leading to the agent opening fire – striking the victim. The bondsman was detained on scene.

SPD Major Crimes Unit is still investigating the shooting. In the meantime, the victim’s family is planning his funeral.

“Unfortunately, the streets had a hold of him,” Smith said. “It took a toll on all of his relationships.”

Smith and the victim are legally married but have been separated for a long time. This August would have been their 19th wedding anniversary. Despite the separation, the two have remained close for all these years – however, Smith said it has not been easy. She said her husband had struggled with drug addiction for the last decade.

She believes his addiction led him down this dangerous path, ultimately to his death over the weekend; yet she wants to know why and how.