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Colfax Today
By the People, for the People
Man Sentenced for 2024 Pullman Murder
Jorge Amezcua pleaded guilty to 2nd degree murder for killing 28-year-old Darcy Spracklin.
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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Jorge Amezcua, a 30-year-old Pullman resident, was sentenced to 16 and a half years in prison for the 2024 murder of 28-year-old Darcy Spracklin. Amezcua pleaded guilty to 2nd degree murder earlier this month in Whitman County Superior Court, with prosecutors dropping a methamphetamine possession charge in exchange for the plea. The two were smoking meth together in an abandoned fraternity house on Washington State University's Greek Row when Amezcua shot and killed Spracklin, though he never explained his motive. The defense and prosecution jointly recommended a bottom-end sentence, but the judge ultimately rejected that and imposed the longer 16.5 year term.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing issues of drug abuse, violence, and lack of accountability in parts of eastern Washington. While the joint sentencing recommendation reflected Amezcua's lack of prior criminal history, the judge felt a stronger sentence was warranted given the severity of the murder.
The details
Amezcua shot and killed Spracklin while the two were smoking meth together inside an abandoned fraternity house on the Washington State University campus in Pullman. Amezcua never provided a clear motive for the murder. The Pullman Police Department investigated the incident, which occurred in December 2024.
- Darcy Spracklin was murdered in December 2024.
- Amezcua pleaded guilty to 2nd degree murder earlier this month.
- Amezcua was sentenced on Friday, February 28, 2026.
The players
Jorge Amezcua
A 30-year-old Pullman resident who pleaded guilty to 2nd degree murder for killing Darcy Spracklin.
Darcy Spracklin
A 28-year-old Pullman resident who was murdered by Jorge Amezcua in December 2024.
Judge Roger Sandberg
The judge who sentenced Amezcua to 16.5 years in prison, rejecting the jointly recommended bottom-end sentence.
What they’re saying
“I apologize for murdering Darcy Spracklin.”
— Jorge Amezcua
“The jointly recommended bottom-end sentence is not appropriate given the severity of this murder.”
— Judge Roger Sandberg
What’s next
Amezcua will begin serving his 16.5 year prison sentence immediately.
The takeaway
This tragic case underscores the need for greater resources and support to address drug abuse and mental health issues in eastern Washington communities, in order to prevent such senseless acts of violence in the future.
