Spokane Prosecutor Reopens 2024 Police Shooting Case
New evidence regarding officer text messages has prompted a formal reopening of the 2024 fatal shooting investigation.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Law Enforcement
The Spokane County Prosecutor has ordered a new investigation into the 2024 fatal police shooting of Joshua Musselman. The decision follows the emergence of text messages between officers that allegedly discuss the justification for their response to an apartment building.
Why it matters
The development challenges the original finding that cleared the officers involved in the shooting. Officials are now investigating whether personnel attempted to fabricate a rationale for their presence at the scene.
The Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team is leading the renewed inquiry after officers Garth Craigen, Willie Mitchell, Matt Stewart, and Daniel Valencia were initially cleared. The case also involves an active civil lawsuit filed by the estate of Joshua Musselman.
The players
Joshua Musselman
He was the victim of a fatal shooting involving Spokane police officers in 2024.
Garth Craigen
He is one of the four police officers who was previously cleared of wrongdoing in the fatal 2024 shooting.
Willie Mitchell
He is an officer who was previously cleared of wrongdoing in the shooting of Joshua Musselman.
Matt Stewart
He is an officer who was previously cleared of wrongdoing in the incident involving the fatal shooting.
Daniel Valencia
He is one of the four officers who was cleared of wrongdoing but is now subject to a reopened investigation.
The details
Officers fired a total of 10 rounds during the incident at an East Cora apartment building. New evidence suggests these officers may have coordinated to fabricate a justification for their actions during the encounter.
Timeline
Joshua Musselman was killed in a 2024 police shooting.
The prosecutor initially cleared the officers of wrongdoing in September 2026.
The SIIR team announced the investigation was being reopened on October 14, 2026.
The city council was scheduled to consider additional legal funding on October 14, 2026.
Legal Context
This investigation operates within the framework of the 2020 Washington State Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act. The case reflects a broader national trend toward utilizing independent investigative teams to ensure impartiality in officer-involved shootings.
The city council is expected to vote on an additional $100,000 in funding to cover legal defense costs related to the civil lawsuit filed by the victim's estate. This allocation of taxpayer money highlights the ongoing financial impact of the litigation on the community.
The takeaway
The reopening of this case illustrates how internal digital communications are increasingly central to modern criminal investigations. Residents should note that the fiscal impact of these legal proceedings continues to grow as the city defends against the pending civil litigation.
Further reading
For more updates on local police oversight and department news, visit Spokane Law Enforcement.
