SPOKANE — Spokane police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 38-year-old man who was killed while sitting in his car on the Lower South Hill early Sunday morning.
Derick Shafer was shot and killed just before 1 a.m. near Sacred Heart Medical Center. Police believe the shooter walked up to Shafer’s car, shot him and then ran away on foot. As of Monday evening, no arrests have been made.
Shafer’s sister, Ashley Smith, was the first family member to learn of his death. She said she does not believe it was a random act of violence.
“Derick will get justice. He will. I mean that,” Smith said. “I will not stop fighting to find out who did this until they’re caught and off the streets. It’s just senseless. It’s pure evil, absolute evil.”
Smith said her brother had a learning disability and was living on Social Security. She often took care of him and is now concerned about how his death will affect his teenage son.
Police have maintained constant communication with the family since the shooting occurred. Investigators have not yet determined whether the shooting was targeted or random, saying they likely won’t know until they arrest the suspect.
Shafer’s mother, Laurie Ramirez, said she is still in shock over the sudden loss of her son.
“It’s hard for me to imagine anyone being angry at him,” she said. “He had a child-like spirit. He was so loving to everyone. So, it’s just really hard for me to fathom that anyone would have so much hate toward him.”
Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact Spokane Police.
“Any information, even if you think it’s small information… if you knew my brother or knew anything, nothing is small. Please, call Crime Check or the Spokane Police Department,” Smith said.
Shafer’s family is also offering a cash reward for any information that leads to the arrest of the shooter.
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