In the pre-dawn hours of September 6, 2023, a fatal encounter unfolded in an alleyway in north Spokane, Washington, claiming the life of Devin Michael Rowden, a 32-year-old male from Newport, Washington. The night's tranquility was shattered by an argument that quickly spiraled into a physical fight. Rowden was with a friend, 24-year-old Saxxon McKinney, when an altercation began with another man.
The verbal dispute escalated, and punches were exchanged, leading to the third man falling to the ground. In that moment, gunshots erupted.
When police responded to reports of the shooting, they discovered Rowden with life-threatening gunshot injuries. He was rushed to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, but he ultimately succumbed to a penetrating gunshot wound to the torso. The Spokane County Medical Examiner would later rule his death a homicide. McKinney was also struck by a bullet in his upper left leg during the incident but survived his injuries. He told authorities that the man on the ground began firing, hitting both him and Rowden. Witnesses in the area heard the argument and the subsequent gunshots, seeing people flee the scene as Rowden lay injured.
The investigation into the shooting moved swiftly. Two days later, on September 8, 2023, law enforcement arrested 19-year-old Abraham Evaristo-Valderas in connection with the deadly incident. He was charged with second-degree murder for the death of Devin Rowden and first-degree assault for the wounding of Saxxon McKinney. Investigators also linked Evaristo-Valderas to a separate shooting that occurred later the same day in downtown Spokane.
During questioning, Evaristo-Valderas admitted to the shooting but claimed he acted in self-defense, stating he believed he was being attacked and that the men intended to take his firearm. He also asserted that he and Rowden were friends. Despite his claims, the circumstances led to his arrest and the serious charges against him. Evaristo-Valderas was scheduled to stand trial for his alleged role in the violent events that tragically cut short the life of Devin Rowden.
