For Immediate Release
Date: August 31, 2017 Contact: Sandra Yi Barker
FBI Concludes Investigation into Death of Rita Maze
The FBI has concluded its investigation into the death of Rita Maze. Based on the evidence gathered, analyzed and processed, we have determined Maze’s death was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Maze’s body was found in her vehicle in Spokane, Washington on September 7th, 2016. We would like to thank our following partners for their assistance in the case: Lewis &Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Helena Police Department, Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office and Washington State Patrol Crime Lab.
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Original Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Press Release from September 7, 2016:
Death Investigation in West Spokane County
On September 6, 2016, at approximately 10:00 p.m., the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office received information from the Helena Police Department in Montana of a reported missing female who was possibly in the area of Spokane County.
Working with Helena PD and the Montana FBI Office, Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies located the vehicle listed in the missing person report in a parking lot in the 7600 block of West Geiger Blvd. at approximately 12:30 a.m. this morning. Inside the vehicle, they located a deceased adult female.
Spokane County Major Crimes Detectives were called to the scene along with Spokane County Forensic Unit personnel to continue the investigation and process the scene for evidence.
Spokane County SIRT Volunteers were called to the scene to assist with traffic control. West Geiger Blvd. will be closed between Electric and Spotted Roads for the next few hours as the scene is processed.
The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office will released the identity along with the cause and manner of death at a later time when appropriate.
No further information is available at this time.