Washington state authorities announced the arrests of two suspects in connection with the fatal shooting of a teenager.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office announced via Facebook that a 26-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man were taken into custody in connection with the homicide of 17-year-old Braylon Daniel Diaz. Police say Braylon was walking his girlfriend home in Parkland, Washington, on the night of May 24, when someone in a passing car called out to him. The suspects allegedly robbed him of his jewelry, shot him, and fled the scene, leaving him to die.
Braylon’s girlfriend, Katelyn Zuniga, told Seattle Fox affiliate KCPQ, “He protected me his last few seconds. He was always a protector. He always cared about me. He would always take care of everyone around him.”
Braylon’s stepmother, Chelsea Diaz, echoed Katelyn’s sentiments, telling KCPQ, “He would never confront anybody. The only reason he would walk close to that car would be to protect his girlfriend.”
A GoFundMe campaign launched to cover Braylon’s funeral costs included a plea from his loved ones urging anyone with additional information to come forward and contact police.
KCPQ reported that investigators located the car believed to be connected to the case — a red sedan — on May 27.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office withheld the names of both suspects, as neither has been formally charged. Deputy Carly Cappetto said the Tulalip Police Department alerted the sheriff’s office on Sunday that officers had arrested the female suspect at a Walmart store. Police added that she was traveling with the male suspect at the time of the fatal shooting.
Police said the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office arrested the male suspect on unrelated felony warrants. Both suspects are now held at the Pierce County Jail.
Cappetto said the investigation remains open, with additional persons of interest connected to Braylon’s homicide still being pursued.
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