BELLINGHAM - A Bellingham man was arrested early Saturday morning, Feb. 9, in connection with the stabbing death of a 17-year-old Whatcom County boy, according to the Bellingham Police Department.
Geoff K. Spain, 21, was booked into Whatcom County Jail on investigation of second-degree homicide.
Police responded to St. Joseph hospital at about 2:15 a.m. Saturday to investigate a report of a double stabbing. A 17-year-old boy had been stabbed in the chest, and an 18-year-old had been stabbed in the face. They were brought to the hospital by private vehicle.
The 17-year-old died while receiving treatment, police said. His name has not been released pending notification of his family. The 18-year-old, also a Whatcom County resident, was treated for his injuries and left the hospital, police said.
The teens had been at a party at the house where Spain lived in the 500 block of Samish Way on Friday night when a fight began between Spain and the teens. It’s unclear who started the fight or what it was about, police spokesman Mark Young said, but police believe alcohol was a factor.
The stabbing occurred during the fight in the street at Samish Way and Fielding Avenue. Police closed off the street for about four hours to investigate the crime scene. A 4-inch folding knife believed to have been used in the fight was found at the scene.
When officers were interviewing the residents of the house where the party took place, Spain walked into the home, police said. He matched the description of the suspect given by witnesses at the hospital and was covered in mud and had what appeared to be blood on his clothes, according to police. When he saw the officers, he ran but was caught after a brief chase.
Witnesses identified Spain as the man they believed stabbed the teens and he was taken into custody.
Spain was arrested earlier this year on suspicion of misdemeanor assault against a roommate, Young said. No additional information on that case was available Saturday.
Young said residents at the house have been cooperating with police, but detectives are still looking for anyone with more information about what happened before or during the fight.
Anyone with information can call Detective Dan Kelsh at 360-778-8800.
Reach ZOE FRALEY at zoe.fraley@bellinghamherald.com or call 756-2803.
