MEAD, WA – A reported burglary led to a fatal shooting early Monday morning in Mead, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. One man has been arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a reported shooting at a residence in the 11600 block of N. Sheridan Street at approximately 12:55 a.m. on April 7. Upon arrival, they contacted 47-year-old Cheyanne R. Humphrey, who was holding a bleeding head wound and stated that one of the suspects had been shot inside the neighboring residence.
Deputies forced entry into the home and found an unresponsive adult male who appeared to have been shot. Deputies initiated CPR and were assisted by Spokane County Fire District 9 and AMR personnel, but the male was pronounced dead at the scene.
Humphrey and a woman told deputies they had observed two males at the neighbor’s residence, which they believed was being burglarized. One suspect fled, while the other remained inside. According to statements provided to investigators, Humphrey was struck in the head with an object he believed was a rock during the confrontation. He reportedly fired a warning shot before shooting the male suspect, who was allegedly assaulting the woman through a window.
The woman stated that she was also struck with a rock and used a flashlight to defend herself before hearing two gunshots. She then observed the suspect fall and called 911.
Investigators later learned that the two males confronted may have previously lived at the residence and were returning to retrieve belongings after a recent eviction. The male who was shot has not yet been publicly identified.
A semiautomatic pistol was recovered at the scene. A check of Humphrey’s criminal history revealed he is a convicted felon and legally prohibited from possessing firearms. He was arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Second Degree.
The investigation remains active, and additional charges or arrests may occur depending on further findings. The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the identity of the deceased and determine the official cause and manner of death.
