In the Logan neighborhood of Spokane, Washington, a dispute over the title of a car escalated into a fatal encounter on the evening of Friday, October 17, 2025. Shawn Cranford, a 46-year-old male, was shot and killed during the altercation that took place near the intersection of East Mission Avenue and North Cincinnati around 7 p.m. Police responded to reports of a shooting and found Cranford with a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Cranford died from gunshot wounds to the torso and a lower extremity, ruling the death a homicide.
The investigation into the shooting, led by the Spokane Police Department's Major Crimes Unit, initially indicated that the incident was not a random act of violence, as the parties involved were acquainted with one another. The conflict reportedly arose from the sale of a white 2010 Mercury Milan from Cranford to a man identified as Zachery McGriff. According to court documents, the argument over the vehicle's title began earlier in the day and continued until the deadly confrontation. Witnesses stated that Cranford had made several attempts to de-escalate the situation, at one point giving McGriff $1,000 in cash and later arranging for his girlfriend to bring the car title to the scene. However, the disagreement turned physical when McGriff allegedly believed the title was incorrect.
The situation tragically intensified when McGriff's nephew, 19-year-old Marius A. Velazquez, allegedly became involved in the physical struggle and shot Cranford. Following the shooting, McGriff and Velazquez reportedly fled the scene, taking both the car being purchased and Cranford's own black Mercedes. The investigation led to the arrest of both suspects. McGriff, 34, was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder and first-degree robbery. He is being held on a $1.5 million bond. Velazquez was later apprehended in Olympia and also faces charges of first-degree murder. According to prosecutors, while Velazquez is believed to be the shooter, McGriff is considered to share equal culpability for escalating the conflict that led to Cranford's death. Family members of Shawn Cranford described him as a loving son, uncle, and brother who was cherished by his friends and family.
