Spokane Woman Died of Drug Overdose
The Spokane County Medical Examiner ruled the 2026 death of 34-year-old Krystin Pirtle an accident.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Substance Abuse
Krystin Pirtle died from a methamphetamine and fentanyl overdose, according to a ruling from the Spokane County Medical Examiner. Her body was found in a closet at an apartment on 1528 W. Gardner Ave. on July 8, 2026.
Why it matters
The investigation highlights the ongoing impact of the fentanyl crisis on the local community, as authorities examined the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the remains.
The medical examiner confirmed the victim, 34-year-old Krystin Pirtle, died of a drug overdose. Authorities continue to investigate the scene where police discovered the body with severe cranial fractures and a large metal spike on top.
The players
Krystin Pirtle
The 34-year-old woman was found dead in an apartment closet on West Gardner Avenue.
Larry A.A. Walton
The 51-year-old tenant of the apartment was booked into jail on an unrelated warrant following the police investigation.
Spokane County Medical Examiner
The official agency responsible for determining the cause and manner of death for individuals in Spokane County.
The details
A Servpro employee discovered the body inside a closet at 1528 W. Gardner Ave. after the landlord requested an inspection due to a rotting smell. Spokane police initiated a search of the premises following the discovery, and tenant Larry A.A. Walton was booked into jail on an unrelated warrant the following day.
Timeline
July 8, 2026: Police were dispatched to the apartment at 11 a.m. after the body was found.
July 9, 2026: Police booked Larry A.A. Walton into jail on an unrelated warrant.
2020: Walton failed to report to his community corrections supervisor.
The Big Picture
This death report follows a pattern set by the 2023 Washington State fentanyl crisis response protocols. These standardized procedures dictate how law enforcement and medical examiners document opioid-related fatalities in the region.
Residents in the local neighborhood may notice continued police presence as authorities conclude their investigation into the apartment. No specific safety advisories have been issued to the public regarding the site.
The takeaway
This case underscores the lethal risk of combined methamphetamine and fentanyl use in the local area. Residents are encouraged to contact local support services if they or someone they know is struggling with substance use.
Further reading
For more information on regional trends, visit the Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Spokesman Review.
