Blaine man arrested for second degree murder

A 28-year-old Blaine man is accused of killing another man in Bellingham after a fight broke out between them during a night of socializing.

Shelby James Best, 28, of Blaine was arrested for second degree murder by Bellingham police in the early morning hours of May 2.

The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Joshua Paulley-Davenport of Bellingham.

According to a statement released by Bellingham police, Best and Paulley-Davenport had been socializing for several hours with a third, unidentified person on the evening of May 1. They were in the Fairhaven district of Bellingham, and as the bars were closing, all three returned to Paulley-Davenport’s residence to continue socializing.

At some point thereafter, Best allegedly assaulted the victim, who fell to the ground and became unconscious.

“The third person was in a different part of the house when sounds of the two males wrestling could be heard,” said the statement by Bellingham police. “The two men were checked on and Paulley-Davenport had a swollen left eye at this point and was telling Best to leave the residence. Shortly after, the third person found Paulley-Davenport laying on the walkway outside the home, unconscious and bleeding.”

Bellingham police officers arrived on scene and began CPR efforts. They were soon relieved by Bellingham Fire Department medics who took over the emergency life-saving measures. Despite these efforts, Paulley-Davenport died from his injuries on scene.

Meanwhile, Best had fled the location and a search for him ensued. Best’s car was found parked near the Fairhaven district and Best was contacted by police officers at approximately 4:50 a.m. on May 2 as he approached and got into the car. He was taken into custody without incident, and was found to have abrasions and cuts on his hands.

“I am grateful and appreciative for the officers and medics who did everything they could to help [Paulley-Davenport], as well as the efforts by patrol and detectives to apprehend Best as quickly as they did,” said Bellingham police chief David Doll in a statement.

Best was booked into the Whatcom County jail for second degree murder. He was scheduled to make his first appearance in court on May 3.