Early-morning fire guts apartment

A fire gutted an apartment building in the West Central neighborhood early Saturday.

Crews from the Spokane Fire Department responded to a blaze at 1729 W. Mallon Ave. shortly before 2 a.m., officials said.

The fire caused a considerable amount of damage to the building, a large two-story house converted into apartments. Several residents have been displaced as a result.

The cause is still under investigation.

Reward offered on robbery suspect

Secret Witness is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of a man wanted on two counts of first-degree robbery.

Patrick Vernon Lezine, 35, is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall and 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, said Spokane police spokesman Cpl. Tom Lee.

In addition to the robberies, Lezine is also wanted on several misdemeanors, Lee said.

Anyone with information regarding Lezine’s whereabouts is asked to call (509) 327-5111. Tipsters do not have to give their name to collect the reward but should use a code name or number.

TWIN FALLS

Guilty plea made in husband’s death

An Eden woman accused of murdering her husband and burning down their house to cover up the crime has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and first-degree arson.

Rawnie Henry accepted a life prison sentence, with 35 years fixed, as part of a plea agreement, according to state Attorney General Lawrence Wasden.

Joseph Glen Henry’s charred remains were found in the couple’s home after it burned to the ground Nov. 17, 2004.

Fifth District Judge John K. Butler accepted Henry’s plea. She is being held in jail until her formal sentencing June 9.

Investigators said Joseph Henry died from a gunshot wound on Oct. 8, 2004. According to court documents, the couple’s home was burned in the early morning of Nov. 17.

Rawnie Henry pleaded not guilty in January to charges of first-degree murder, first-degree arson and destruction of evidence in the death of her husband. She changed her plea Friday.

“As a result of the mediated resolution, the Jerome County taxpayers will not bear the significant cost of a murder trial and any appeals,” said Wasden.

Compiled from staff

and wire reports