In the early morning hours of August 27, 2022, Ablos Kios, a 22-year-old man from the Marshall Islands, was fatally shot at Franklin Park in Spokane, Washington. Kios, who was not a frequent visitor to the park, had ended up there after a night out with friends. His family described him as a good person with a good heart who was athletic, loved to sing, and was a listening ear for others.
He had moved to Spokane in 2013 and was the father of two children.
The events that led to the deadly encounter began when two groups of people were drinking in the park. An altercation erupted after a man from one group was seen with an intoxicated 14-year-old girl from the other group. Following this initial fight, a car returned to the park carrying individuals in ski masks. A witness reported seeing a BMW arrive and its occupants arguing with the other group. A scuffle ensued between a passenger from the car, later identified as 18-year-old Landen J. Galbreath, and another individual. When the person swung at Galbreath, he dodged the punch and fired a gun at point-blank range, striking Kios in the head.
When police arrived at the scene around 3:15 a.m., they found a chaotic situation with people fleeing. Kios was discovered deceased across the street on Queen Avenue. Three other individuals were also injured by gunfire during the incident. One man was shot in the face, and two others were taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds. The investigation was initially hampered by a lack of cooperation from witnesses at the park.
Despite the initial challenges, the Spokane Police Department made five arrests in connection with the shooting in October 2022. The suspects were identified as 18-year-olds Landen J. Galbreath, Malachi I. Cook, and Nigel I. Neal. Tayona C. Allen, also 18, and a juvenile male were also arrested. Galbreath, Cook, and Neal were initially charged with second-degree murder and first-degree assault. Allen was charged with rendering criminal assistance, and the juvenile was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.
Ultimately, the three main suspects reached plea agreements. Landen Galbreath pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and second-degree assault and was sentenced to nine and a half years in prison. Malachi Cook pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter and conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, receiving an eight-year sentence. Nigel Neal pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit first-degree assault and rendering criminal assistance and was sentenced to five years. The sentences for the three teens took their youth into account.
