In brief: EWU students threatened for anonymous hazing tip

Two Eastern Washington University students have reported receiving threats from people who accuse them of making an anonymous tip about misbehavior by members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

EWU police learned on April 27 that the fraternity was under investigation by its national headquarters after an anonymous tip was received alleging hazing, degradation of women and alcohol abuse, according to court documents. Police said they received information that people “associated” with the fraternity may be seeking retribution against members of a sorority on campus in the belief that the sorority members had made the tip.

One woman reported being harassed by people posting messages on a private Sigma Phi Epsilon Facebook page. Her photograph was superimposed on a porn site, court records say. Another woman reported receiving a Facebook message that said “I know what you did.” The same woman was identified as the source of the anonymous tip in a message on the Yik Yak app, which allows anonymous posts. The message said “I would (symbol of pistol) her,” according to court documents.

Nina Culver

Officers report suicidal man reloaded gun

Police officers responding to a report of an armed, suicidal man Wednesday night said they were on the other side of a privacy fence when he was shooting, but they could hear him reloading.

The mother of Craig S. Burton’s girlfriend called 911 just before 10 p.m. from 5527 N. Ash St. to report that Burton was sitting on the back porch with a gun. She told police that he asked her to call police and told her “I want this to go away,” according to court documents.

Police entered the alley but could not see into the backyard because of the fence. They took cover when shots rang out and heard Burton shout “Do it,” court records say. Police said Burton reloaded and came out toward the alley. Two minutes later officers reported Burton had been shot and had a gun in his hand, court documents say.

The woman who called police later told officers Burton overdosed on prescription medication about a month ago. Burton served in the U.S. Army as a combat medic for four years before starting work at Spokane’s Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center as an intermediate care technician in December 2012.

Nina Culver

Kennewick man dies in Highway 395 crash

A man died in a crash on U.S. Highway 395 about 4 miles south of Rizville on Friday, but four children in the car received only minor injuries, according to the Washington State Patrol.

David L. Brenchley, 75, was southbound about 2 p.m. when he drove into the median. The 2001 Lexus rolled and came to rest on its roof, the WSP said. Brenchley, a resident of Kennwick, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 10-year-old boy and three 11-year-old boys in the car were all treated and released from Adams Rural Hospital. Brenchley and his passengers were wearing seat belts.

Staff report