Fire, Fear, and the Spokane Rapist | Spokane News

In 1926, a fire at Walla Walla’s main prison cellblock didn’t destroy the structure—just the roof, wiring, and heating. Officials, including Governor Hartley and architect Zittel, opted to repair rather than rebuild. Meanwhile, in 1976, Spokane police raced to solve a terrifying wave of rapes—fifteen attacks over summer, all by a masked, knife-wielding assailant dubbed the “Spokane Rapist.” Despite massive manhunt efforts and public warnings, the killer remained at large, sparking a chilling pattern that would evolve into the South Hill Rapist cases through the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. And back in prison? The convicts who started the fire to escape? They were thrilled to be back inside after their brief taste of freedom—cold nights apparently made them rethink their choices. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/bd8a2d72892f1a7f