UPDATE: Major Crimes Detectives Arrest Suspect in 2017 Suspicious Death Investigation, Charged with Murder 2ndDegree
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Detectives, continuing to investigate the suspicious death of Brenda L. Brown, arrested 49-year-old Ronald A. Beck late this afternoon. A family member of Brown reported the incident after finding her deceased body inside the home on May 10, 2017.
On November 19, 2018, at approximately 3:50 p.m., Spokane County Major Crimes Detective Scott Bonney arrested Ronald Beck, half-brother of Brown, at the same residence in the 3900 block of East Lane Park where Brown lived with Ronald Beck and his brother.
The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the cause of Brown’s death as strangulation, and through information and evidence gained during this lengthy investigation, Detective Bonney developed probable cause to charge Ronald Beck with Murder 2nd Degree.
Ronald Beck was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Murder 2nd Degree. He is expected to make his first court appearance tomorrow.
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Original Press Release from May 11, 2017:
Major Crimes Detectives Investigate Suspicious Death
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Detectives are investigating the death of a female in her late 40s, as suspicious in nature. The victim was discovered in her residence by family members.
On May 10, 2017, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Spokane County Deputies responded to a residence located in the 3900 block of East Lane Park for a report of a deceased female. Deputies arrived and were informed by Spokane County Fire personnel the female was deceased.
As with any unattended death, the scene was secured and Major Crimes Detectives were advised of the incident and responded to the scene to continue the investigation. Due to information gained during the initial investigation, detectives believe the circumstances related to the victim’s death are suspicious. With the assistance of Spokane County Forensic personnel, investigators processed the scene throughout the night and into this morning.
The name of the deceased female will be released at a later date by the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office, along with a cause and manner of death.
As this is an active investigation, no further information is available at this time.
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Deputy Mark Gregory
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Spokane Valley Police Department
Public Information Officer