In the early evening of February 6, 2022, the life of 34-year-old Joseph B. Quinn, a White / Caucasian male, was cut short in a fatal shooting in Spokane Valley, Washington. The events unfolded at the Village Square Apartments on East Montgomery Avenue, where reports of yelling and arguing were soon followed by the sound of multiple gunshots. When Spokane Valley Police Department officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Quinn near the courtyard pool, still breathing. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, he succumbed to a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The initial investigation launched by the Major Crimes Detectives was extensive, involving K-9 units and air support to search for a suspect seen fleeing the area. Witnesses described a skinny white male, approximately six feet tall and dressed in dark clothing, leaving the scene shortly after the shots were fired. For weeks, the case remained unsolved, with investigators diligently collecting evidence, including four 9mm cartridge casings, and seeking information from the public. A reward was even offered for any tips that could lead to the identification of a suspect.
A significant breakthrough in the investigation came on April 28, 2022, with the arrest of 29-year-old Shayne R. Galloway. He was taken into custody without incident at a Days Inn in Airway Heights by Major Crimes Detectives with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force. Court documents revealed a motive rooted in a personal conflict. Quinn had reportedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend, who was a close friend of Galloway's, and had stolen her car. In the days leading up to the shooting, Galloway had sent messages indicating his intent to confront Quinn and had been staying with the ex-girlfriend to protect her. Investigators believe another woman who knew Galloway may have lured Quinn to the apartment complex on the day of the shooting.
Shayne R. Galloway was initially charged with second-degree murder. In January 2023, he pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter and unlawful possession of a firearm. During the sentencing, it was revealed that Galloway and Quinn had exchanged words in the apartment complex courtyard. Galloway claimed he believed Quinn was reaching for a weapon, prompting him to draw his own pistol and fire multiple rounds. He later disposed of the firearm in the Spokane River. Expressing remorse to Quinn's family in court, Galloway was sentenced to over 11 years in prison. The investigation remained active even after Galloway's arrest, with the possibility of additional charges and arrests being considered by the sheriff's office.
