Officer T. Leming, PIO
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 4:56 p.m.
*** Update ***
The Spokane Police Department is seeking information from the public about this case. Even if you’ve spoken with investigators before, please reach out if you have anything to share. Including any of those who called in as secret witnesses or administered that program.
Someone may have information they did not recognize as important at the time or may have information they have yet to share with investigators. We encourage anyone to come forward, even if the detail seems insignificant.
SPD continues to investigate cold cases, and we remain committed to providing answers to those who have had loved ones taken from them. If you have any information regarding this case or any other unsolved homicide, please reach out and email us at spdcoldcasetips@spokanepolice.org
*** Original Release ***
On November 4th, 1986 at about 7:38 A.M., Spokane police officers responded to an alley near S. Ivory St and E. Pacific Ave for a report of a person down in the roadway. Upon arrival, the officers instead discovered a deceased female in the alley nearby. The female was identified as 32-year-old Mary Ann Turner, and it was evident to investigators she had been murdered.
After investigating for nearly four decades, detectives developed probable cause to charge 74-year-old David Tibbett with Second Degree Murder through DNA evidence in conjunction with witness statements made early in the investigation. This arrest is not possible without the partnerships and efforts from the WSP Crime Lab, Othram, and the Spokane County Prosecutors Office.
On October 21st, 2026, detectives with the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) and Special Investigations Unit (SIU) served a search warrant on the home of Tibbett. Tibbett was taken into custody and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Second Degree Murder.
The investigation into the death of Mary Ann Turner is ongoing.
Emergency Services
Situations requiring IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE from Police, Fire or ambulance: call 911
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Situations requiring IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE by phone from trained mental health counselors: call 988
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Non-emergency police services: call 311 to report crimes no longer in process, abandoned or stolen vehicles, theft/burglary, unlawful camping, fraud or identity theft, vandalism, suspicious person or vehicle, or submit crime tips.
Online Incident Report also available.
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For general police email contact:
SPDWebMail@spokanepolice.org
Officer Tricia Leming
509-835-4568
tleming@spokanepolice.org
My Spokane: 311, or for outside city limits, 509.755.CITY (2489)
spdwebmail@spokanepolice.org
