SUNNYSIDE, Wash.-UPDATE. FEB. 22. A juvenile suspect who was arrested in connection to the shooting deaths of Maurice and Isaak Hernandez on Feb. 16. has been released.
Yakima County Prosecutor Joe Brusic confirmed that the suspect was released on Wednesday, Feb. 21 after he signed a “No charges filed pending further investigation” document.
According to Brusic, his office “determined there was insufficient information for the court and our office to consider probable cause and the investigation was lacking adequate information for us to consider any charges at this time.”
Although the possible suspect has been released, charges could be filed at a later time as the investigation progresses.
“We will work with the Sunnyside Police Department to obtain more facts so we can make a charging decision on any potential suspect in this very tragic case,” Brusic said.
The juvenile suspect who was released was not charged with any crime.
FEB. 20
A suspect in the Sunnyside shooting case was arrested, according to the Sunnyside Police Department. Police say they are looking to charge him with murder and accomplice to commit murder.
SPD says the investigation is still active and is still accepting tips through its Facebook page and by call to Detective Darin Scott at 509-836-6200.
“Our detectives are working hard to solve this crime, if you have any information please do not hesitate to call or to submit it anonymously with the link provided,” said Chief of Police Rob Layman. “If you see something, say something.”
SPD says there is no danger to the public and that the incident was a targeted attack.
UPDATE 11:50 a.m.
The victims of the Feb. 16 shooting in Sunnyside have been identified by the Yakima County Coroner’s Office.
According to Chief Deputy Marshall Slight, the people who were found dead in a car were brothers Maurice and Isaak Hernandez, 17 and 13 respectively.
The coroner said these are the first and second homicides in Sunnyside and the third homicide in the county this year.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE Feb. 19
According to a press release from the Sunnyside Police Department, two people were found deceased after gunshots were heard in the 1500 block of E. Edison Ave.
Around 10:39 p.m., Sunnyside PD responded to reports of shots fired. When officers arrived on scene, they found one adult man and one juvenile in a vehicle, both deceased.
There are no suspects at this time and Sunnyside PD does not believe there is any ongoing threat to the community.
Anyone with information is asked to reach out to Sunnyside PD Detective Darin Scott at 509-836-6200.
This is a developing story, which means information could change. We are working to report timely and accurate information as we get it.
