Plea in death of man who tried to break up party

Published 7:34 pm Tuesday, March 27, 2012

SPOKANE — An 18-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to a second-degree murder charge in the death of a 65-year-old Spokane-area man who tried to break up an underage drinking party.

KXLY reported that neighbor Frank Motta was acting at the request of the homeowner who was out of town when her son’s party spiraled out of control.

Detectives said Treven Lewis has admitted hitting Motta in the jaw on March 10. The former principal and Air Force vet suffered multiple skull fractures when he fell. Motta died March 15.

Lewis said he got physical with Motta when the victim pushed Lewis’ pregnant girlfriend. Investigators have not found any witnesses who will back up that self-defense claim.

Lewis entered his plea Tuesday.