Suspect in Spokane machete killing gets 6 1/2 years

A man implicated in a large fight, which resulted in the machete-stabbing death of a Spokane man in October, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in connection to the killing and has been sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison.

Alexander M. Maravilla, 32, had been charged with second-degree murder for the Oct. 23 killing of 35-year-old Lance Ogle. On May 15, Spokane County Superior Court Judge Tony Hazel sentenced Maravilla to 78 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of first-degree manslaughter.

The incident began, according to witness reports, after Ogle punched a woman in the parking of the 7-Eleven at Division Street and Second Avenue. Witnesses told Spokane police that Andre A. Conway then pulled a machete out of his backpack and struck Ogle in the chest. Conway’s first-degree murder charge remains pending.

Maravilla initially told police he didn’t know anything about the stabbing. He later admitted that he punched Ogle several times during the brawl.

According to court records, detectives spoke with Kasey Ehlert, who has children with Maravilla and witnessed the brawl. Ehlert said about a dozen people attacked Ogle after he punched a woman in the parking lot. Ehlert also said Ogle held his phone during the melee and appeared to be recording those who were attacking him.

Ehlert told police Maravilla punched Ogle once in the head and at least one other time, knocking him to the ground. She said Maravilla and another person then began kicking Ogle while he was on the ground. Ehlert admitted that during the assault, she shouted, “Get him! Get him!” Police have not recommended any charges against her.

Court records described Maravilla as a homeless father of five children. He also has a history of drug use and domestic assault.