In the late summer of 2015, a tragic and unexpected turn of events led to the death of 57-year-old Gregory Scott Ainley, a White male, in Spokane, Washington. His life was abruptly ended on or around September 13, 2015, in the North Spokane home he shared with a childhood friend. The discovery of his body a couple of days later would unravel a sorrowful tale of friendship and mental illness.
Ainley's brother became concerned when he hadn't heard from him for several days.
When he went to the residence, he could see his brother's roommate, Michael J. Prows, inside, but Prows would not answer the door. This prompted a call to 911. Responding deputies were also unable to get anyone to open the door. Peering through a basement window, they saw a man lying motionless on a bed, which led them to force entry into the home.
Inside, they found Gregory Ainley deceased in his bedroom, having been shot in the head and chest. The door to his room had been barricaded with furniture from the outside. In the living room, deputies found Prows, also 57, sitting in a chair, initially unresponsive. After being taken into custody, Prows became more alert and admitted to shooting his roommate. He stated that they had not been in an argument and he was not angry at the time of the shooting.
Michael J. Prows was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. His attorney argued in court that he was not competent to stand trial due to severe mental illness. It was revealed that Prows had a history of mental health issues, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia as a teenager. He had reportedly been off his medication for some time before the incident, telling deputies that "things are just not real" anymore. Prows was held on a $1 million bond. The tragic event cut short the reunion of two lifelong friends who had recently moved in together, hoping to support one another.
