Spokane Murder-for-Hire Case Ends in Fatal Mistaken Identity Shooting

Authorities in Spokane, Washington, investigated a tragic and complex murder-for-hire case that resulted in the death of 24-year-old Alisha Canales-McGuire, who was mistakenly targeted in an attack intended for her sister.

According to court records and law enforcement statements, the incident occurred on August 3, 2017, when two individuals arrived at a residence connected to Alisha’s family. Investigators allege that Kevin Lewis, 31, her ex-husband, arranged the attack in connection with ongoing disputes involving custody and financial disagreements.

Prosecutors state that Lewis allegedly paid the two assailants, both teenagers at the time, approximately $2,400 to carry out the attack against Amanda Canales, Alisha’s sister. However, Amanda was reportedly away on business at the time of the incident.

When the individuals arrived at the home, Alisha answered the door. Authorities say she was mistakenly identified as the intended target. She was then fatally shot before the assailants fled the scene. Emergency responders arrived shortly after, but she was pronounced dead at the location.

Law enforcement quickly launched an investigation that led to the arrest of the two suspects involved in the shooting. Both were charged with first-degree murder. Shortly after, Kevin Lewis was also arrested and charged in connection with orchestrating the murder-for-hire plot.

Investigators described the case as a chain of decisions driven by personal conflict that escalated into a fatal outcome with irreversible consequences. The involvement of multiple individuals, including minors, has added further complexity and concern to the case.

Family members of Alisha Canales-McGuire have expressed profound grief over her death, describing her as an innocent victim who became caught in a situation she had no part in creating. Her sister Amanda and other relatives have since focused on seeking justice and accountability for all parties involved.

The case has also drawn broader attention due to its connection to domestic disputes escalating into violent criminal actions. Experts note that such cases highlight the dangerous potential of unresolved conflict when combined with premeditated violence and third-party involvement.

As the legal process continues, all defendants face serious charges, and prosecutors are expected to pursue full accountability for the planning and execution of the attack.

For Alisha’s family, however, the outcome is already devastating. A life was lost in a moment of mistaken identity — and a family was forever changed by a decision rooted in anger and revenge.