Victim in critical condition

OTHELLO — A Walla Walla man remains in critical condition at a Spokane hospital after suffering a gunshot wound to the head early Thursday, and an apparent suspect is being held on charges of first-degree assault.

Ricardo Penalosa, 22, was transported to Othello Community Hospital and later to Deaconess Medical Center in Spokane after reportedly being shot with a small caliber handgun during an argument inside the manager's apartment of a vacant hotel.

"It appears there was some sort of argument," said Othello Police Chief Steve Dunnagan.

Othello police initially responded to the apartment at the former Cimarron Motel on Main Street at 5:15 a.m. Thursday. The hotel is not open, but Dunnagan said the manager's apartment was being lived in.

Investigators said in a news release they initially believed the gunshot to be self inflicted, but further investigation led authorities to believe the shooter to be Penalosa's 20-year-old uncle and roommate who was not at the scene when authorities first arrived. Othello Police identified the suspect as Marcos A. Manuel of Othello.

Manuel was arrested by police late Thursday night and booked into the Adams County Jail. He pleaded not guilty Friday in Adams County Superior Court to charges of first-degree assault. Manuel is being held on $1 million corporate or $100,000 cash bail.

Penalosa underwent surgery for his injuries in Spokane, after which Othello police said he remained in critical condition. An update on his condition was not immediately known Monday morning.

Othello Police are continuing to investigate the incident.