In the early morning hours of June 23, 2021, a violent encounter in Spokane, Washington, claimed the life of 38-year-old Ty Jordan. The incident, which unfolded at the intersection of 7th Avenue and Oak Street on the South Hill, also left a second man injured. When Spokane police responded to a call around 4 a.m., they discovered two men with gunshot wounds.
Jordan was pronounced dead at the scene, and the Spokane County Medical Examiner later ruled his death a homicide.
The investigation into the shooting revealed it stemmed from a drug deal that had soured. Jordan and his friend, Jerrame Kimble, were reportedly attempting to purchase fentanyl from Brian McGaugh. An argument broke out between Jordan and McGaugh, escalating to the point where McGaugh pulled out a pistol and shot both Jordan and Kimble. Kimble, who was treated for a gunshot wound to his arm, called 911 while his girlfriend attempted to stop Jordan's bleeding.
Two days after the fatal shooting, Spokane police located and arrested a suspect in Cheney. Brian McGaugh was taken into custody without incident and faced charges of second-degree murder and first-degree assault. Ultimately, McGaugh pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. He was subsequently sentenced to nine years in prison for his role in the death of Ty Jordan.
