Pullman police arrest suspect in College Hill homicide

Pullman, WALocal News

Pullman Police arrested Jorge Amezcua, 30, as the prime suspect in the December homicide of 28-year-old Darcy Taylor Spracklin, who was fatally shot on December 26. Initial police response was to a report of a seizure at Spracklin's residence, where officers found him unresponsive, later confirmed dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Autopsy results revealed five bullets lodged in Spracklin's head, leading the Whitman County coroner to rule the death a homicide. Witnesses indicated that Amezcua occasionally did drugs with Spracklin and surveillance footage placed him near the crime scene. In interviews, Amezcua initially denied knowledge of the shooting but eventually confessed to shooting at Spracklin.

Following the incident, he allegedly asked a friend to dispose of the . 22-caliber pistol used in the crime. The Whitman County Prosecutor's Office is expected to file charges for second-degree murder and possession of a controlled substance. Amezcua's criminal history includes serious juvenile offenses in California, raising concerns about his potential sentencing.

Related Articles

This week's podcast focuses on Lapwai shooting on Sept. 5

Christian M. Forslof faces charges of second-degree murder and attempted murder after a shooting in Lapwai on September 5. The case is discussed in a podcast by The Tribune's Dean Ferguson and Matt Baney. Listeners can access the podcast through a provided link or QR code.

The courthouse, the bailiff and the baby squirrels

Jodi Brunelle, a bailiff at the Nez Perce County Courthouse, brings baby squirrels to work, which some judges appreciate. Brunelle rescues these animals through the Idaho Animal Rescue Network, feeding them every four hours. Her unique approach fosters a positive atmosphere in the courthouse.

Understanding suicide, and the tools to prevent it

Suicide attempts in the U.S. reached approximately 1.5 million in 2023, with rural areas experiencing higher rates due to resource scarcity and cultural stigma. Local experts emphasize the vulnerability of youth and the impact of mental health issues, as highlighted by the experiences shared by a young woman identified as “S.”