On October 12, 2024, William McCreight, 53, was found in the parking lot of a Safeway in Spokane Valley, Washington, suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies and firefighters responded to reports of gunfire about 6:15 a.m.; despite life-saving efforts, McCreight was pronounced dead at the scene. The Spokane County Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide.

Investigators established that McCreight had arranged to meet 43-year-old Johnathan M. Bryman in the parking lot for what was believed to be a possible drug transaction. Bryman was arrested on October 14, 2024, at a Hayden, Idaho, residence and was charged with second-degree murder; two firearms were recovered at the time of arrest.

Subsequent examination of McCreight’s cellphone showed texts indicating he had been attempting to recruit others to help rob Bryman. It was also reported McCreight was armed with a realistic-looking silver BB gun and had a makeshift knife strapped to his wrist during the meeting. The prosecutor later dropped the murder charge and brought a firearms offense to which Bryman pleaded guilty.

Did anyone in the Spokane Valley area know McCreight or have information about the meeting that morning?