Murder suspect facing third strike

A man accused of killing a teen during a robbery attempt last week in north Spokane is facing his third strike – and life in prison. Jeremiah A. Smith, 25, was arrested Thursday night at a home in Spokane Valley after his probation officer recognized his tatoos in security footage that captured the shooting of 17-year-old Ceasar Medina on May 25 at Northwest Accessories, 3400 N. Monroe St, according to court records. Smith appeared in court Friday on charges of first-degree murder, first-degree burglary and unlawful possession of a firearm. He was ordered held on $1 million bond. Smith has also used the names Glenn A. Akers, Glenn A. King and Jeremiah White. Witnesses said two men with guns entered the store just before midnight on May 25. Video surveillance footage shows one of the men pointing a gun at 17-year-old Ceasar Medina as Medina lay on the ground with his hands on his head, according to court documents. One man threw a wine bottle at the gunman, who shot Medina as he left the business. Police say Northwest Accessories is frequented by Sureno gang members and the owner of the business is a member or associate of the LVL Surenos in Moses Lake, according to court documents. Witnesses reportedly admitted to police that Spice, which is synthetic marijuana, was sold out of the business. The man who shot Medina had tattoos on his hands, wrist and neck that could be seen on the surveillance video. After photos of the suspects were given to law enforcement agencies, a Washington State Department of Corrections officer recognized Smith based on the tattoos, according to court records. That officer is currently monitoring Smith, who is on felony probation. When police arrived at 7910 E. Euclid Thursday night to arrest Smith he was wearing the same sweatshirt and shoes seen in the surveillance video, according to court documents. Smith’s criminal history includes convictions for first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary and second-degree assault. A conviction on the murder charge would be his third strike, which mandates a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.