Investigators in Pierce County say they have located a vehicle believed to be involved in the robbery and fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy in Parkland, a development authorities say has moved the investigation forward as they work to identify suspects.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that the vehicle was found in Federal Way. Officials have not released details about the car or who may have been inside it at the time of the shooting.
Shooting
Deputies responded around 7:13 p.m. Sunday to reports of a seriously injured person in the 10200 block of Sheridan Avenue South in Parkland. When first responders arrived, they found Braylon Diaz, 17, suffering from a gunshot wound.
Medical personnel attempted lifesaving measures, including CPR, but Braylon was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities initially reported his age as 16 before confirming he was 17.
Robbery
According to sheriff’s office spokesperson Carly Cappetto, Braylon was walking with his 16-year-old girlfriend when a vehicle pulled up and surprised them. His girlfriend, Katelyn Zuniga, told investigators that the occupants appeared interested in Braylon’s necklace.
She said Braylon handed over the necklace willingly. Despite that, he was shot moments later. Investigators have said the attack appears to have been random.
“This was a true victim tonight,” Cappetto said earlier in the investigation.
Vehicle
On Thursday, investigators confirmed they had located a car believed to be connected to the robbery and shooting. The vehicle was found in Federal Way.
“This finding has launched us forward in identifying suspects of interest,” Cappetto said.
Authorities said there are multiple outstanding suspects. They have not confirmed how many people were inside the vehicle or released suspect descriptions. The sheriff’s office also urged the public not to approach unfamiliar vehicles.
Katelyn told investigators she saw four people inside a red four-door car she did not recognize. That detail has not been officially confirmed by law enforcement.
Family
Braylon’s family has spoken publicly about their loss as a memorial continues to grow at the scene.
His father, Brock Diaz, said he had spoken with his son less than an hour before the shooting.
“I want no parent, nobody should go through that,” Brock said. “That was horrific. Nobody should go through that.”
He described receiving the call from Braylon’s girlfriend explaining what had happened as the worst moment of his life.
“I never even got a chance to touch him or look at him,” he said. “The next time I saw him he was in a bag.”
Community
Friends and family gathered throughout the week to remember Braylon, who was a junior at Washington High School. Those close to him said he was a dedicated student who enjoyed soccer and planned to join the military after graduating.
“He was just the sweetest soul,” Katelyn said.
Investigators say the case remains active as they follow leads connected to the vehicle and continue working to identify those responsible.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to contact the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.
FAQs
Who was the victim in the shooting?
Braylon Diaz, a 17-year-old from Parkland.
Where did the shooting occur?
The 10200 block of Sheridan Avenue South in Parkland.
What was the motive?
Investigators say it involved a robbery.
Where was the suspect vehicle found?
The vehicle was located in Federal Way.
Have suspects been identified?
No suspects have been publicly identified yet.
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