Aaron R. Holder, a 22-year-old Spokane resident, was sentenced to 123 months in prison—equivalent to just over 10 years—after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the death of 34-year-old Justin Combs. The sentencing took place in Spokane County Superior Court, where Judge Andrew Van Winkle approved the jointly recommended sentence brought forth by both the prosecution and defense.
The fatal incident occurred on June 7, 2021, in downtown Spokane near the Spokane Intermodal Center located at 221 W. First Avenue. According to police reports, a woman discovered Combs, a homeless man, unresponsive and bleeding from the head while lying inside a sleeping bag. She immediately alerted nearby security personnel, who contacted local law enforcement. A responding officer provided first aid until emergency medical services arrived on the scene. Combs was transported to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries 10 days later.
Evidence gathered at the scene played a pivotal role in the investigation. Detectives recovered a large piece of basalt rock stained with blood and sleeping bag filler, which was believed to have been used in the assault. Blood stains and scuff marks on the sidewalk nearby indicated a violent encounter consistent with blunt-force trauma. These findings, combined with witness accounts and forensic analysis, led investigators to arrest Aaron Holder, who was subsequently charged with second-degree murder.
Holder’s plea deal, which resulted in a 10-year prison sentence, avoided a potentially lengthy trial and brought a measure of closure to the case. The decision has drawn public attention to the growing concerns around the safety and well-being of Spokane’s homeless population, which remains vulnerable to acts of violence and neglect.
The murder of Justin Combs serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by unhoused individuals in urban environments. Advocates for the homeless community have since called for stronger protective measures, increased mental health services, and enhanced emergency housing options to prevent similar tragedies. The Spokane Police Department and city officials continue to emphasize their commitment to supporting marginalized residents and addressing root causes of violence in the city.
As the city of Spokane reflects on this case, the broader conversation around homelessness, public safety, and justice continues to evolve. The sentencing of Aaron R. Holder stands as both a legal conclusion and a catalyst for ongoing community dialogue and policy reform aimed at protecting society’s most vulnerable.
