Death investigation underway

CHENEY – A death investigation is underway after officers responded to a call at 2710 Eaton Lane early Wednesday morning.

At press time, police had not released the name of the decedent as next of kin had yet to be notified.

Police did not call the death a homicide, but noted evidence created questions about the cause and manner of death.

Officers cordoned off the area around the home just across the street from Cheney Middle School's bus parking area. A drone was launched to photograph the area.

Officers also canvassed the area, talking to neighbors.

"We got the call at 1 o'clock this morning," police Sgt. Zeb Campbell said. "An officer responded; we saw the subject within the residence. At that point, detectives came out."

Authorities have not released further details about the victim or the circumstances surrounding the death.

However, police have obtained a search warrant for the residence and have brought in the Washington State Patrol Crime Scene Response Team to assist. The Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office was called in but had yet to arrive before press time.

According to public records, Melissa Jordan bought the house in May 2023; the home has a 360-square-foot garage, which is where investigators were seen entering and examining possible evidence.

Police did not say if the victim was the homeowner, a renter or someone else.

"This is an ongoing death investigation," Campbell said. "We determined that we needed to conduct an investigation into the circumstances of the death, we've acquired probable cause for a search warrant."

Investigators are continuing to collect evidence, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.

"The investigation is ongoing," Campbell said, adding updates will be provided as they become available.

Author Bio

Clare McGraw, Reporter

Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.