Spokane prosecutor seeks new probe into fatal police shooting

Spokane County Prosecutor Preston McCollam has ordered a renewed examination of the police shooting that killed 29-year-old Joshua Musselman. The decision was announced Wednesday, after the prosecutor’s office and Spokane Police Department received text messages exchanged by two of the four officers involved. The shooting happened outside Musselman’s apartment on Dec. 29, 2024, and bullets struck nearby walls.

The messages raised questions about the officers’ conduct, their shooting decisions and whether probable cause had been established. They also indicated that Musselman may have turned away as officers fired. The officers discharged 16 rounds, killing Musselman with multiple gunshot wounds; two rounds entered a neighbor’s apartment. His weapon was later identified as a pellet gun. McCollam had previously found no wrongdoing, concluding the officers faced an immediate threat, but that decision is now being revisited. The family’s attorney, Rondi Thorp, filed a lawsuit against Spokane and the officers in January.

The reopened inquiry matters to Spokane residents because the incident occurred at an apartment complex and involved questions about police response, neighboring homes and the public review of officer-involved shootings. The Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team announced the change in its weekly update, which is required under state law. Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall has called the messages disturbing and said the department remains committed to professional and constitutional conduct. McCollam declined comment while the investigation continues.