Eagles to host benefit

COLFAX - A local family seeking justice for the death of their mother, Shannon Kambitsch, 58, of Deer Park, will go to trial after two and a half years of six continuances in the homicide case in Spokane County.

A new readiness trial date is set for Tuesday, May 28, and the trial date is set for June 17.

Shannon Kambitsch's son James Campbell and his wife Angela Campbell have been raising funds to pay for court costs, and are holding a benefit from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturday, May 18, at the Eagles, 217 North Main Street in Colfax.

The Campbell's said that the benefit will be a name your price, so people can bargain. "We want to get donations to get rid of the stuff, as well as help with the court costs," said Kambitsch's daughter-in-law Angela Campbell.

According to past reports, Kambitsch was found Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, after a 911 call from Dean Ayers, 58, of Spokane, who had said his wife had shot herself in the head.

Kambitsch was rushed to the hospital still alive, and passed away on January 19, 2022.

Reports state that there were inconsistencies in Ayer's story surrounding the death of his wife, and he was arrested on charges of 2nd degree murder.

"He got bailed probably three months after he was arrested," said the Campbells.

Ayer's told deputies that Kambitsch shot herself with a pistol he had kept under his pillow and she had the pistol in her right hand, reports state.

According to reports, the following day the Deputy Medical Examiner determined from an autopsy that the entry wound was on the left side of Kambitsch's head with an exit wound on the right.

The Campbell's said that they have been living with the knowledge that Ayers has been free, and living in Spokane County for over two years. "For two years plus, we've had to change our lifestyles," said Angela Campbell, "There have been struggles with jobs. Going to make sure we can get off. It's been cancelled or extenuated and we have to start back over."

For James and Angela Campbell the benefit is another step in getting justice for their mother, and making a difference with her memory. "We want to raise awareness for domestic violence, and break the silence to talk to people about their experiences," Angela Campbell said.

Kambitsch is described as a loving mother, and hard worker by family and friends having worked with her father on the family farm when she was a kid.

Kambitsch's obituary states that she was a mail carrier in Moscow, a Post Master in Viola, Idaho. She worked at the Spaghetti Factory in Spokane, Ameristar Casino in Twin Falls, as Whitman County Assessor in Colfax, and at Washington State Department of Transportation in Spokane.

"Her grandchildren were the light of her life," states Kambitsch's obituary, "She especially enjoyed spending time with them all and attending their sporting events, holidays and birthdays."

The Campbells said that they want to tell Kambitsch's story and are ready for a verdict in a case that they feel has gone on longer than it should.