SPOKANE, Wash. — The Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board voted for a Spokane man who killed another man in front of his wife and baby during a robbery to be granted early release.
The board voted 3-1 on Thursday to recommend early release for 50-year-old Travis R. Comeslast. Comeslast has served about two-thirds of his murder sentence.
According to the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office, Comeslast went to the home of Christopher Gongyin in June of 1996.
Gongyin was sleeping in his bed with his wife and infant child.
Comeslast and another man woke Gongyin, which led to an argument. Comeslast then shot Gongyin in the head.
The Prosecutor’s Office says the bullet burned the baby’s leg.
Comeslast then told Gongyin’s wife to give him money and drugs. He also pulled her and the baby out of bed to get items he wanted.
In September of 1997, Comeslast was convicted of first-degree murder and first-degree robbery. He was sentenced to 51 years in prison. Comeslast was 20 at the time of the murder with a criminal record that included multiple previous convictions.
The Prosecutor’s Office says several years later, Comeslast’s sentence was appealed and he was sentenced to 46 years in prison instead. Comeslast has served nearly 30 years of that sentence so far.
Those petitioning on Comeslast’s behalf testified as to why they believe he should be released, including how he has taken on a leadership role in prison.
County Prosecutor Preston McCollam and Gongyin’s family advocated against Comeslast’s early release.
The decision has been sent to the governor’s desk for his consideration and approval.
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