Valleyford Woman’s Tragic Death Leads to Double Murder Investigation in North Spokane

SPOKANE, Wash. – The family of a 49-year-old woman found dead in Valleyford is sharing her story in hopes of helping someone else. Jannell Martensen’s cause and manner of death remains pending at the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Martensen was mentioned in court records related to a north Spokane double murder investigation. According to court documents, 25-year-old Brandon Kenny admitted to killing Kiara Morgan-Weiland and Colton Russell and claimed that Russell admitted to accidentally killing Martensen in November.

Martensen’s cousin, Alisha Galbreth, described her as a kind, generous, and loving family member. She emphasized that Martensen’s death should not define her, but rather how she lived. Galbreth hopes that by sharing Martensen’s story, it will encourage anyone in a domestic violence situation to seek help.

The family is still waiting for answers about how Martensen died, and the investigation remains active. The circumstances surrounding her death are unclear, but the family is determined to honor Martensen’s memory by sharing her story.