West Central shooting victim has a manslaughter conviction for 2007 stabbing

The victim in a shooting Tuesday in the West Central neighborhood in Spokane had fatally stabbed a man in January 2007.

Michael L. Summa, 26, was convicted of manslaughter for the death of 22-year-old Shannon Cochran. According to court and newspaper records, Cochran was sticking up for a friend who was threatened by a group of five teenagers over a drug debt. One teen handed a steak knife to Summa, who used it to stab Cochran eight times, including once in the heart.

A judge sentenced Summa to eight years in prison.

On Tuesday morning, police found Summa laying face-down in the front yard of 2107 W. Sharp Ave. There was a gunshot wound on the back of his head and one on his lower back, and he was losing consciousness, according to court documents.

Summa was taken to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, where doctors said his injuries weren’t life-threatening, according to court documents. He regained consciousness but refused to speak with police detectives.

A man who lives at the house told detectives Summa and another man called “Mexican Rick” had come over to look at stereo equipment he was selling, according to court documents. The man said they were in his bedroom when “three or four” unidentified Native American men rushed in and began assaulting his guests. He said he fled the room, heard a gunshot and watched the men flee.

Detectives searched the house but haven’t identified a suspect.

Frustrated neighbors said Tuesday the house is known for attracting violence, drug deals and gang activity. Officer Teresa Fuller, Spokane Police Department spokeswoman, said the tenants are due to be evicted.