In the summer of 1983, a dedicated officer's life was cut short in the line of duty. Brian Frederick Orchard, a 38-year-old White / Caucasian male, served as a detective for the Spokane Police Department. On the evening of July 18, 1983, he was part of an undercover operation, a stakeout aimed at capturing two individuals responsible for the theft of a valuable gun collection.
The thieves were attempting to ransom the stolen firearms back to their owner for $20,000.
As the carefully planned operation unfolded in downtown Spokane at 5th and Pine Street, the suspects arrived in their vehicle. Detective Orchard, along with another officer, approached the car. As Orchard identified himself to the occupants, a single, fatal shot was fired from within the vehicle, striking him in the head. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but the bullet could not be removed. After fighting for his life for two days, Brian Frederick Orchard succumbed to his injuries on July 20, 1983.
The individuals responsible for Detective Orchard's death were subsequently apprehended. The man who fired the fatal shot was identified as Lonnie Link. Following their arrest, both suspects were tried and convicted of murder. Link was sentenced to life in prison for his crime. Over the years, he has sought clemency, but his requests have been denied, ensuring he remains incarcerated for the murder of the 15-year veteran of the Spokane Police Department who left behind a wife and three children.
