“Justice for My Brother: One Woman’s Quest for Truth and Accountability in the Face of Tragedy”

Sister of Man Killed by Spokane Police Hires Attorney for Wrongful Death Lawsuit

The sister of Joshua Musselman, a 29-year-old man shot and killed by Spokane police on December 29, has hired attorney Rondi Thorp, who has a history of successfully representing families of individuals killed in police shootings. Thorp’s involvement in this case raises questions about the adequacy of police procedures and potential violations of human rights.

Police responded to Northcliff Terrace Apartments after reports of a man firing “suspected rifle shots” from inside the apartment. This was the second time that day police responded to a call about Musselman. According to Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall, police spoke to Musselman and “at some point, felt a threat,” leading to the use of force. However, Hall declined to elaborate on the circumstances surrounding the incident, and it remains unclear whether Musselman was armed at the time.

Musselman had a troubled past, with a long history of criminal charges and convictions. He had made headlines in July after attempting to steal an ambulance in downtown Spokane, leading to his arrest and charges of first-degree malicious mischief. Court records show Musselman had previous convictions for attempted rape of a child, assault, vehicular prowling, and malicious mischief.

Anwar Pease, a member of the Spokane Human Rights Commission and Musselman’s downstairs neighbor, testified before the Spokane City Council that Musselman frequently receives complaints from neighbors and believes law enforcement or behavioral health providers should intervene before incidents occur. This raises questions about whether the police response was justified and whether the department could have taken steps to prevent the deadly outcome.

Thorpe has represented the families of several other men killed in police shootings, including David Novak, who was shot and killed by police in 2019, and Robert Bradley, who was shot and killed by police in 2022. While lawsuits from Bradley’s minor children are still pending in federal court, Thorpe expressed concerns about the Spokane Police Department’s failure to reform its practices in response to previous wrongful death settlements.

“It’s an absolute joke and an embarrassment to good police officers everywhere,” Thorpe said. “We are concerned that his rights have been violated, and we will investigate thoroughly to determine if a claim can be made.”

FAQ:

* What happened on the day Joshua Musselman was killed?
Joshua Musselman was shot and killed by Spokane police on December 29 after responding to reports of a man firing “suspected rifle shots” from inside the apartment.

* Was Musselman armed at the time of the incident?
It is unclear whether Musselman was armed at the time of the incident.

* What is Rondi Thorp’s involvement in this case?
Thorpe has been hired by Musselman’s sister to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death and determine if a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed.

* What is the history of criminal charges and convictions against Musselman?
Musselman had a long history of criminal charges and convictions, including attempted rape of a child, assault, vehicular prowling, and malicious mischief.

* Has the Spokane Police Department changed its practices in response to previous wrongful death settlements?
According to attorney Rondi Thorpe, the Spokane Police Department has failed to reform its practices in response to previous wrongful death settlements.

Conclusion:

The shooting death of Joshua Musselman by Spokane police raises questions about the adequacy of police procedures and potential violations of human rights. With a history of criminal charges and convictions, Musselman’s death could have been avoided if the police department had taken steps to address his behavioral health needs and intervening before the incident occurred. Attorney Rondi Thorpe’s involvement in the case highlights the need for independent investigations and a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the shooting. As the city of Spokane mourns the loss of another young life, it is essential that the police department takes responsibility for its actions and works to rebuild trust with the community.