Victim of fatal stabbing identified, SIU seeks person of interest
By Dan Thesman on Thursday, March 17th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PASCO — The victim of Sunday’s fatal stabbing in Pasco has been identified. Cortez Palafox, 42, of Pasco died as a result of his injuries after he was assaulted by Gabriel Artz, also of Pasco, at Sixth Avenue and Lewis Street.
Artz died following an officer-involved shooting which the Special Investigations Unit said happened after he initiated an attack on officers who were attempting to establish verbal communication with him. Police said Artz was armed with a knife and still in the immediate vicinity of the homicide.
The SIU is also requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a person of interest in this investigation. An image of the adult male whom law enforcement is looking for is displayed above.
On Tuessday, the SUI identified Officers Jasen McClintock and Jeremy Jones with the Pasco Police Department as the two involved in Sunday’s officer-involved shooting.
The investigation into Sunday’s incident continues. Anyone with information regarding the officer-involved shooting can contact any of the SIU sergeants listed below:
Sgt. Damon Jansen – djansen@ci.richland.wa.us 509-942-7353
Sgt. CarlosTrevino – carlos.trevino@co.benton.wa.us 509-735-6555
Sgt. Marcus Conner – mconner@co.franklin.wa.us 509-545-3501
