A lengthy prison sentence has been handed down to a 48-year-old individual following a fatal stabbing incident that took place two summers ago in downtown Spokane. The case, which concluded last week, saw Steven P. White receiving a 30-year sentence for the second-degree murder of Shan Anderson, a 44-year-old man. The incident occurred when Anderson, who might have been asleep, was repeatedly stabbed by White over a dozen times, as recorded in court documents.
Authorities reveal that the two men were acquainted, and the tragic event unfolded in the early hours of August 27, 2023, near the South Wall Street railroad viaduct. According to police records, local law enforcement was alerted to the scene following reports of a deceased individual. Surveillance footage from nearby buildings captured the moment White approached Anderson, appearing to make a stabbing motion with his hand approximately 13 times.
Despite the severity of the attack, Anderson managed to move away from the immediate vicinity, albeit with a noticeable limp and clutching his side, before eventually collapsing. The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Anderson suffered 14 stab wounds. The footage suggests the assault occurred around an hour and a half prior to police notification. White was apprehended about a week later near the Spokane Transit Authority Plaza in the downtown area.
In a subsequent trial, Spokane County Superior Court Judge Rachelle Anderson presided over the sentencing. While White faced a first-degree murder charge, the jury was unable to reach a consensus, prompting the judge to declare a mistrial and dismiss the charge upon the request of Spokane County Deputy Prosecutor Dale Nagy. White’s criminal record is extensive, comprising 70 convictions, predominantly misdemeanors. Upon release from prison, he will be subject to three years of community custody, as ordered by the court.
Understanding the Impact
- The lengthy sentence emphasizes the judicial system’s commitment to addressing violent crimes, highlighting the potential consequences of such actions.
- This case underscores the importance of community safety and the role of surveillance in providing critical evidence for law enforcement agencies.
- The dismissal of the first-degree murder charge sheds light on the complexities of the legal process, particularly jury deliberations in serious criminal cases.
- White’s extensive criminal history raises concerns about recidivism and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs within the justice system.
- The case serves as a somber reminder of the impact of violent crime on communities, potentially influencing public perception and policy discussions surrounding crime prevention and intervention strategies.