Solis murder suspect arraigned in Spokane

SPOKANE - The Spokane man suspected of murdering a 21-year-old from Moses Lake in November pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Spokane police and Spokane County sheriff's deputies were in Spokane Superior Court Tuesday to provide additional security during the arraignment of John Castro, 27, according to Spokane police spokesperson Jennifer DeRuwe.

Castro was booked after a fight that led to the shooting death of Jose A. Solis Jr. at a Spokane hotel Nov. 27 while Solis was in town attending a rap concert with a large group of friends and acquaintances, also from Moses Lake.

Castro entered a not guilty plea to murder in the second degree, riot, unlawful possession of a firearm and two counts of assault in the second degree.

His trial is slated to begin Feb. 27.

Castro will remain in jail on a $1 million bond.

A conviction for killing Solis would be a third strike offense for Castro, who would face life in prison, according to DeRuwe.

Spokane police are reportedly still looking for six men wanted in connection with the murder and are offering a reward for tips that lead to the arrest of Jermaine S. Bedford, 22; Kalen J. Bedford, 21; Rashad F. Toussiant, 25; Roderick D. Shanks, 21; Stafone N. Fuentes, 27; and Tyrone J. Carell, 23.

All are wanted for assault in the second degree, except Fuentes, who is charged with assault in the first degree, according to DeRuwe.

Spokane residents Aaron A. Maxwell, 23, Anthony L. Feuntes, 29, and Michael J. Charles, 34, have already been arrested for their alleged roles in the homicide.

People, with information on the location of any of the six men, are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit tips at www.crimestoppersinlandnorthwest.org.