Spokane, Washington – Martay Ellis, who was captured on video assaulting a woman in downtown Spokane more than two years ago, appeared in Spokane County Superior Court on Tuesday to face charges related to a separate incident. Ellis, 26, is now facing charges of first-degree assault and second-degree murder stemming from March 2022 for the death of a patient at Eastern State Hospital. These charges were previously dismissed after Ellis was deemed incompetent to stand trial, but they were refiled last week.
The decision to refile the charges came after Western State Hospital communicated with the Spokane County Prosecutors Office, indicating that Ellis was now ready for a less restrictive placement. In the courtroom, the woman whom Ellis attacked in downtown Spokane, Tiffany Turner, expressed mixed emotions upon seeing the suspect for the first time since the incident. Turner conveyed a sense of relief that the case was progressing, expressing feelings of happiness, sadness, and anger, as she sought closure.
Ellis’s bond has been set at $1.25 million, and his next court appearance is scheduled for April 2nd. The ongoing legal proceedings have brought the victims of Ellis’s past actions back into the spotlight, highlighting the long road to justice for those affected by his violence. Turner’s presence in court serves as a reminder of the impact of such heinous acts on individuals and communities, underscoring the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
As the case against Ellis unfolds, the judicial system grapples with the complexities of mental competency and legal proceedings, shedding light on the challenges of addressing criminal behavior in cases involving mental health issues. The refiled charges against Ellis signal a renewed effort to pursue justice in a case that has lingering effects on multiple parties involved. The courtroom proceedings serve as a platform for victims to confront their assailant and seek closure, while also putting a spotlight on the broader implications of violence in society.