Identity Of Suspect In Eastern State Hospital Murder Released

Authorities have released the name of the suspect believed to be responsible for the first recorded murder in the history of Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake.30 year old Amber Roberts was booked into the Spokane County jail, she and the victim were apparently housed in the Forensic Services Unit, where patients are sent in connection with criminal cases.   Suspects in cases are sent there by a judge to determine competency to stand trial,  test for potential psychological or mental issues that could be pertinent to a crime and determine overall sanity.

After the results of an autopsy, authorities say they will release the name of the victim.  One employee at the hospital told KREM 2 TV in Spokane she had concerns over staffing issues related to budget problems at the facility, and believes that could have led to the alleged homicide.  The union representing the workers released a statement saying they have been raising that issue with state officials for nearly a year.

Officials have not released information about how the victim died.  Eastern State Hospital has housed patients since 1891.