Spokane, Wash. — The family of a 29-year-old man, Joshua Musselman, who was fatally shot by police in his apartment last December, is contemplating legal action against the City of Spokane. The incident, which occurred at the Northcliff Terrace Apartments in North Spokane, has raised concerns about police conduct and mental health crisis management.
On the afternoon of Dec. 29, police were dispatched to the apartment complex following reports that a man was discharging firearms inside his residence. According to Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall, up to four officers were involved in the shooting. Despite immediate life-saving attempts, Musselman was declared dead at the scene.
Anwar Peace, another resident of the complex, expressed that the situation might have been handled differently if a behavioral health unit had been present. According to Peace, such units are known for their empathetic approach and generally avoid using force. He lamented the loss, noting the daily reminder he faces of the violent encounter.
Musselman’s history with mental health issues has been highlighted by his sister’s attorney, Rondi Thorp. Thorp indicated that her client’s brother lacked necessary mental health resources, a factor she believes contributed to the fatal outcome. The family is currently working with Thorp to investigate the details of the case and explore the possibility of filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the Spokane Police Department.
Chief Hall has stated that the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation, which is standard procedure in such cases. He has not released the names of the officers involved.
Further complicating Musselman’s story are his prior encounters with law enforcement. In June 2024, he was arrested for attempting to steal an ambulance in downtown Spokane. He later pleaded guilty to criminal mischief related to this incident. Court records also show a conviction for first-degree theft in 2022.
The shooting is currently under investigation by the Spokane Independent Investigative Response (SIIR) team, which handles all officer-involved shootings to ensure impartiality and thoroughness.
The circumstances surrounding this incident, including Musselman’s mental health and the police response, highlight ongoing issues in managing mental health crises and the use of force by law enforcement. This tragic event underscores the critical need for appropriate resources and training in handling such delicate situations to prevent further loss of life.
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