Tyler Rowell was 17 when he was killed in Spokane, Washington, on the evening of February 8, 2023. Rowell and two friends had arranged to sell cannabis oil to a buyer they met online and drove to a meeting in the East Central neighborhood. As they exited their vehicle they were ambushed by people wearing ski masks; gunfire erupted and Rowell was struck by bullets, dying at the scene from gunshot wounds to his head and torso. His two companions were also wounded but survived, and the attackers stole the keys to the group’s minivan before fleeing.

Police described the incident as a drug deal that turned into a robbery. Four people were arrested in connection with the case: Leland Westerland (16 at the time), Hagen F. Charbonneau, Gavin M. McGregor, and Sapphire B. Jespersen; investigators identified Westerland as the shooter. Friends and family remembered Rowell as kind and funny and looking forward to his future. If anyone in Spokane that night saw the meeting or has information about who planned the ambush, please come forward.