Suspect Awaits Trial After October Stabbing in Spokane
Richard W. Brown faces a second-degree murder charge following a fatal stabbing near Mission Avenue and Hamilton Street.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Violence
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On Oct. 6, 2026, Richard W. Brown allegedly killed John Martin Holman during a stabbing incident at the intersection of Mission Avenue and Hamilton Street. Brown is currently held at the Spokane County jail as he awaits a scheduled trial in December.
Why it matters
The incident occurred in the Logan Neighborhood, an area that has experienced shifting crime trends. Local authorities are managing the legal process while monitoring neighborhood safety indicators.
Richard W. Brown remains in custody on a $1 million bail while awaiting trial. The case involves a second-degree murder charge filed following the fatal attack.
The players
Richard W. Brown
The suspect is currently held at the Spokane County jail awaiting his murder trial.
John Martin Holman
He was the victim of the stabbing incident who died at the scene.
Spokane Police Department
This local agency is responsible for law enforcement and public safety in the area.
The details
Richard W. Brown allegedly attacked John Martin Holman using a knife and pepper spray. Neither the suspect nor the victim were enrolled as students at nearby Gonzaga University.
Timeline
The stabbing incident occurred on Oct. 6, 2026.
The trial for Richard W. Brown is scheduled for December 2026.
Legal Context
This specific violent crime highlights the ongoing safety efforts in the Logan Neighborhood, where total crime rates have fallen by 7.4% this year. The event stands in contrast to the 13% reduction in crimes against persons recorded since 2025.
Residents in the Logan Neighborhood may see continued police attention following this incident. While authorities track crime trends, the Spokane Police Department has specifically warned of potential burglary spikes near Gonzaga University during upcoming winter breaks.
The takeaway
Understanding local crime data is a critical component of neighborhood situational awareness for Spokane residents. The recent decline in area offenses provides a baseline, but does not eliminate the risk of isolated violent incidents.
What happens next
Richard W. Brown is scheduled to face a second-degree murder trial in December 2026.
Further reading
For additional context on regional public safety, visit Violence.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Gonzaga Bulletin.
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