Argument reportedly started about dead cat

EPHRATA - Four males are charged with the murder of a Coulee City man.

Alexander L. Wiltfong, 18 of Coulee City, Robert M. Wiltfong, 23, of Soap Lake, Michael M. Loska, 20, of Soap Lake and a 15-year-old male from Coulee City were charged with murder in the second degree.

The four allegedly attacked Jeff A. Smith, 49, of Coulee City on Oct. 10, according to Grant County Superior Court records.

Witnesses reported seeing Alexander Wiltfong and several women arguing with Smith about a cat Smith reportedly killed.

Alexander L. Wiltfong, Robert M. Wiltfong, Loska and the juvenile allegedly went to Smith's house after the argument, entered the house and fought with the victim, according to court records.

Debra Fredrick, a friend of the victim, was reported to have chased the men out of the house with a knife and a neighbor also tried to break up the fight, according to police reports.

Fredrick reported Smith became sick an hour after the attack and she stayed with him until roughly 1 a.m. Smith reportedly told her he didn't want to call the police because the Wiltfongs' uncle was his friend.

Alexander and Robert Wiltfong reportedly told police they hit Smith, according to court records. Alexander Wiltfong allegedly stated he did not hit him that hard. Loska allegedly stated he kicked Smith in the arm twice.

A friend found Smith's body in bed on Oct. 12, after knocking on the door.

An autopsy showed he died as a result of blunt force trauma to his head.

Bail for Alexander and Robert Wiltfong and Loska is set at $250,000. If convicted, the men could be sentenced to life in prison.