The man who died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in the Clarkston Heights has been identified as Mark C. Thomas.
On Saturday, the Asotin County Sheriff’s Office identified Thomas, who had very few run-ins with law enforcement, according to a news release. Names of those involved were initially withheld while Thomas’ family members could be notified of his death.
Thomas, 52, of Clarkston, was an overnight visitor to Marvin Lukehart, 83, at Lukehart’s home in the Sonary Crest retirement community at 2015 Sixth Ave.
Lukehart told Thomas to leave but Thomas refused and a fight ensued, the release said. Thomas reportedly hit Lukehart numerous times with a rock, injuring him. Lukehart got hold of a handgun and, during a struggle over the firearm, several shots were fired, the release said.
Lukehart escaped through a window and then Thomas allegedly shot himself. When Asotin County sheriff’s deputies and medics arrived at about 11 a.m., Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene. Lukehart was bleeding profusely and taken to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston.
The hospital house supervisor said she would not release any information about Lukehart, deferring to law enforcement officials, but confirmed he is a patient there. The news release said Lukehart was in “stable” condition Friday and is expected to make a full recovery.
The incident was also investigated by the Washington State Patrol Crime Scene Response Team.
Holm may be contacted at (208) 848-2275 or tholm@lmtribune.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomHolm4
