Late-Night Walk Turns Fatal – Two Arrested in Parkland Shooting of 17-Year-Old

Two people have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting and robbery of a 17-year-old boy in Parkland, Washington, authorities confirmed this week. The victim, identified as Braylon Daniel Diaz, was a high school junior who investigators say was shot during a late-night encounter while walking with his girlfriend.

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office announced that a 25-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman are now in custody and face multiple serious charges, including first-degree murder, first-degree robbery and drive-by shooting.

Deputies say the arrests were made in separate locations in Snohomish County and at a Walmart in Tulalip. The case has drawn attention across the region, particularly within the local school community, where Diaz was described as a caring and academically focused student.

The Shooting

The shooting occurred late Sunday night, May 24. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of a person lying in the roadway with gunshot wounds.

When deputies arrived, they attempted lifesaving measures, but the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators later determined that Diaz had been walking with his girlfriend when a vehicle approached them. Someone inside the vehicle reportedly called out to Diaz, prompting him to walk closer.

Authorities say the suspects then robbed Diaz of jewelry, shot him and fled the area.

Arrests

On Sunday at approximately 11:30 p.m., the Tulalip Police Department notified Pierce County deputies that a 26-year-old woman had been arrested at a Tulalip Walmart.

Earlier that day, Snohomish County Sheriff’s deputies had taken a 25-year-old man into custody. Investigators say the two suspects had been together earlier before being arrested separately.

Both suspects have been booked and are being held on charges of first-degree murder, first-degree robbery and drive-by shooting. Their names have not yet been released by authorities.

Victim Identified

The victim was identified as Braylon Daniel Diaz, a junior at Washington High School. Family members say he was walking with his girlfriend at the time of the shooting and was attempting to protect her.

Diaz’s stepmother, Chelsea Diaz, described him as a gentle and caring teenager.

She said he would not normally confront anyone and believes he only approached the vehicle out of concern for his girlfriend’s safety.

Witness Account

Diaz’s girlfriend, Katelyn Zuniga, was present during the incident and witnessed the shooting. She described Diaz as someone who consistently looked out for others.

She said he protected her in his final moments and added that he was deeply committed to school and avoided trouble.

According to Zuniga, Diaz was known among friends and family as kind, responsible and academically driven.

Law Enforcement Response

Deputy Carly Cappetto, a public information officer with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, emphasized the emotional toll of the case.

She said two families are now grieving and highlighted the impact on the victim’s loved ones, particularly Diaz’s girlfriend, who witnessed the violence.

Investigators continue to gather evidence and review details surrounding the robbery and shooting. Authorities have not released information about a possible motive beyond the reported robbery.

Community Support

Diaz’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and provide financial support during the aftermath of the tragedy.

Members of the Parkland community and Washington High School have shared messages of sympathy and remembrance, honoring Diaz’s life and character.

Law enforcement officials remind the public that the investigation is ongoing and that the suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

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