Police Department

Major Crimes Unit Investigates a Death and Serious Assault

Lt. Terry Preuninger

Monday, April 12, 2021 at 4:12 p.m.

Update 2/3/23:

This morning, 2/3/23, in Spokane Superior Court, Joshua Phillips was sentenced to a total of 432 months (36 years) for the murder of Kassie Dewey and attempted murder of her daughter Lilly.  The lead SPD detective in this case relays that today's sentencing was a day for the victim’s family to move forward in remembrance of Kassie and her very brave daughter Lilly. 

Update 1/20/2023:

This afternoon, 1/20/23, in Spokane Superior Court, accused murderer Joshua Phillips plead guilty to DV pre-meditated 1^st degree murder and DV pre-meditated attempted 1^st degree murder in the stabbing death of Kassie Dewey and the stabbing assault of her then-5 year old daughter Lilly. See original media releases below referencing the April 11, 2021 incident.  SPD Major Crimes detectives have worked diligently for more than a year and a half on this case which deeply affected our community and prompted an outpouring of support and grief. SPD is hopeful today’s guilty plea will provide some relief and closure for family and community members. Phillips is scheduled to be sentenced on February 3^rd.

Update 4/19/2021:

Suspect in North Spokane Homicide booked for 2^nd Degree Murder and Attempted 2^nd Degree Murder

Reference a homicide which took place on April 11, 2021 in the 5100 block of N. Adams Street, suspect Joshua Phillips (41 year old) has been booked for 2^nd Degree Murder and Attempted 2^nd Degree Murder. A juvenile victim remains at a local hospital in critical condition.

Original Release:

The Spokane Police Department is investigating a death and a serious assault in the 5100 block of North Adams.   The victims were discovered when the Spokane Fire Depart responded to a call of a car running in a locked garage and discovered a man in the garage along with a deceased adult female and five year old girl with life threating injuries at the residence. 

At 1:48 PM a call came in to 911 reporting a car was running in a locked garage and the caller/s were concerned for the occupants of the residence.   The Spokane Fire Department responded and confirmed the car was running, they entered the garage and located a man who was semi-conscious near the vehicle.   In addition to what they found in the garage the Fire Department personnel located a deceased woman with obvious traumatic injuries as well as a five year old girl who was still alive, but suffering from similar life threatening traumatic injuries. SFD called for police who immediately responded.  

The girl was transported to the hospital and taken into surgery.   The male was transported to the hospital as well, and is in police custody. 

The Spokane Police Department Major Crimes Unit responded and is conducting an investigation. 

At this time there are no outstanding persons of interest and there is no known threat to the community specific to this incident. 

The 5100 block of North Adams will be blocked off for some time and the public should expect to see police activity in the area throughout the evening. 

If anyone has information regarding this incident, please call crime check at 456-2233 and provide the information to police.

• Newer
• Older