Spokane, Washington – A man previously captured on video assaulting a woman in downtown Spokane over two years ago made an appearance in Spokane County Superior Court this Tuesday, facing charges related to an incident from March 2022 involving the death of a patient at Eastern State Hospital.
Martay Ellis, 26, currently faces charges of first-degree assault and second-degree murder for the reported attack. These charges had been dismissed earlier after a determination was made by a judge that Ellis was not competent to stand trial; however, they were refiled last week following a notification from Western State Hospital.
Court documents revealed that the charges were reinstated after a communication from Western State Hospital to the Spokane County Prosecutors Office indicating that Ellis was ready for a less restrictive placement. In the courtroom, Tiffany Turner, the woman previously assaulted by Ellis downtown, expressed her emotions, noting that it was her first time seeing the suspect since the incident.
Turner shared her mix of emotions with local media outside the courthouse, stating, “I didn’t think that this was ever going to happen. Just emotions are everywhere. I’m happy. I’m sad. I’m angry. I’m just looking for some closure.” Ellis has been assigned a bond of $1.25 million, with his next court appearance scheduled for April 2.
In a case that has spanned several years, the return of Martay Ellis to court has brought both closure and renewed emotions for those involved in the incident. The legal proceedings continue as the community seeks justice for the victims and clarity on the outcome of the charges against Ellis.