Police seek 2 suspects after WWII vet beaten to death in parking lot

SPOKANE (FOX News.com) -- Police in Washington state are searching for two young suspects who beat a World War II veteran to death in a Spokane parking lot Wednesday night.

The Spokane Police Department says in a press release officers responded to reports of an assault and found the victim in his car with serious head injuries. He later died in the hospital.

Authorities on Thursday released surveillance photos of the two suspects, who they describe as black males between the ages of 16 and 19.

Friends identified the victim as Delbert Belton, and say he was sitting outside a lodge for the Fraternal Order of the Eagles when he was attacked.

KXLY-TV

 reports that Belton served in Army during World War II and was shot in the leg during the Battle for Okinawa.

Delbert Belton (Photo courtesy of Belton's friends)

The station says he went on to work for Kaiser Aluminum for 30 years. Friends say he was known as “Shorty,” and enjoyed playing pool and working on cars. His wife passed away several years ago.

The Spokane Police Department is asking anyone with information to call their hotline at 456-2233.