SPOKANE, Wash. — Martay Ellis, a 27-year-old man, has been sentenced to nearly 18 years in prison for committing a violent assault in downtown Spokane in 2021 and a second-degree murder charge from 2022. Ellis faced charges of first-degree assault after a video captured him beating a woman in September of 2021. Additionally, he was handed a separate sentence for the murder of a patient at Eastern State Hospital in March 2022.
The Spokane County Superior Court judge announced that Ellis will serve both sentences concurrently, totaling just under 18 years behind bars. During the sentencing, a victim’s advocate shared a statement from Tiffany Turner, the victim of Ellis’s assault, expressing the profound impact of the attack on her life. Turner emphasized the far-reaching consequences on her well-being, livelihood, and overall sense of self, demanding justice and recognition of the lasting trauma she continues to endure.
In court, Ellis attempted to justify his actions before his lawyer intervened and advised him to offer an apology. The case initially faced dismissal due to concerns about Ellis’s competency to stand trial. However, after a reevaluation determined his readiness for less restrictive placement, charges were refiled in March 2024, leading to his recent sentencing.
The severity of Ellis’s crimes and the emotional testimony from the victim shed light on the lasting effects of such acts of violence. The court’s decision to impose a substantial prison term reflects the gravity of the offenses committed. As the community processes the outcomes of this case, advocates highlight the importance of supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions to prevent future harm. The sentences serve as a reminder of the legal system’s role in addressing violent crimes and seeking justice for those affected.