Omak Man Charged in Fatal Shooting

SPOKANE—Today, James A. McDevitt, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Rudy M. Garcia, age 21 of Omak, Washington. Rudy M. Garcia is currently detained in United States Marshal’s custody and his arraignment is set for January 8, 2010.

The two-count indictment charges Rudy M. Garcia with premeditated murder in the first degree and use of a firearm during a crime of violence for the November 5, 2009, shooting death of David McCraigie on the Colville Indian Reservation. According to the pleadings, it is alleged that Rudy M. Garcia shot David McCraigie outside of McCraigie’s residence after the two had been involved in a dispute. After being grievously wounded, David McCraigie died from his injuries on November 14, 2009.

James A. McDevitt, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, said, “The levels of violent crime in Indian Country are unacceptable. Unfortunately, the same holds true in Eastern Washington.”

A conviction for murder in the first degree carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of court supervision after release and restitution.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Omak Police Department, and the Colville Tribal Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Matthew F. Duggan, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.