SPOKANE, Wash. – Court documents have provided more details about a deadly stabbing that .
According to the documents, the Spokane Police Department (SPD) responded to the scene around 11 a.m. Sunday at 111 West 3rd Avenue. A witness told police he knew the victim, identified as 45-year-old Javier Chavez, and said Chavez believed his girlfriend was cheating on him with the suspect, 50-year-old Anthony Lee.
The witness, who was with Chavez, said the victim spotted Lee’s car, ran over to confront him, and a fight broke out between the two men. The witness attempted to separate them, but Lee allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Chavez.
Another nearby witness reportedly saw the incident and heard Lee tell her, “Call the police.” According to court documents, Chavez then ran away, fearing for his safety. The witness later saw Lee standing near Chavez, attempted to administer first aid, and called 911.
When SPD arrived, they found several people standing around Chavez. An officer attempted to render aid until medical units arrived. The investigation began shortly thereafter.
Court documents state that officers found Lee in a nearby alley with blood around him and a large knife at his feet. Police detained Lee without incident. He reportedly admitted to the crime by saying, “it was me,” while pointing to his chest.
Lee was booked into Spokane County Jail. Police developed probable cause to charge him with second-degree murder, and his bond was set at $500,000.
