Man killed in West Central identified

The man shot to death inside his West Central home Friday afternoon has been identified as David K. Chester, 48.

Police were called to 2407 W. Dean Ave. at 2 p.m. Friday for a reported shooting. Within an hour they arrested 21-year-old Brettly E. Sanderson on suspicion of first-degree murder.

Witnesses describe a dispute between Chester, who lived in one of two apartments inside the home, and a man who had been staying in the other apartment. Chester no longer wanted that man to live there and the man was trying to get inside the home to retrieve his belongings and his dog but Chester would not let him in, according to court documents.

Sanderson was with the man on the front porch before entering the home through the back door. Chester reportedly went to the front door and sprayed the man he wanted evicted with bear spray. The man told police that Sanderson let him inside and as he went upstairs to get his belongings he heard gunshots and turned to see Sanderson holding a gun, court documents state.

Sanderson denied shooting Chester during interviews with police. Investigators wrote in court documents that Sanderson’s behavior was “bizarre and excitable” and his statement was “difficult to follow and somewhat incoherent.”

He also denied being at the West Central Jolly Mart before the shooting with the man who had argued with Chester. A Jolly Mart employee confirmed to police that both men had been there earlier that day, according to court documents.

Sanderson is being held in the Spokane County Jail on $750,000 bond.