Motorcyclist found dead

A motorcyclist was found dead of a gunshot wound to his head Tuesday night on Highway 23 near the county line south of Sprague.

Officers discovered the body of Johnny Winter, 56, Spokane, at 8:20 p.m.

Trooper Troy Briggs, spokesman for the Washington State Patrol, said investigators initially thought Mr. Winter had died from a traffic accident, but then discovered the gunshot wound and a firearm at the scene.

Troopers Wednesday morning declined to reveal the type of gun found at the scene.

Winter was found on the northbound shoulder of the highway. Troopers determined the 2006 Harley Davidson FXST motorcycle went off the road and struck a rock embankment before it came to a stop.

Coroner Pete Martin pronounced Mr. Winter dead at the scene.

WSP detectives are still investigating when the gunshot occurred and whether or not it caused the motorcycle to leave the road. Trooper Briggs said they are investigating a number of possibilities, including whether another person was involved in the shooting.

More details will be known after a medical examiner performs an autopsy on Mr. Winter Thursday afternoon.