By Terry Murry on Tuesday, December 20th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that a third suspect has been taken into custody in connection to death of Miguel Perez Barragan, 24. His remains were discovered northeast of Walla Walla off Kibler Road on July 5.
Undersheriff Joe Klundt said the Pasco Police Department arrested a 16-year-old boy on Friday. The teen from Kennewick is believed to be the last individual associated with this crime. After his arrest, the suspect was transported by detectives from the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office to the Juvenile Justice Center in Walla Walla. He made his first court appearance yesterday in Walla Walla.
Two other teenage boys, ages 14 and 16, also from Kennewick, were arrested earlier and all three have been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Barragan. The court has scheduled a fact-finding date for the first two who are in custody on Jan. 23, 2023.
After Barragan’s body was found, police received a tip that one of the suspect’s brothers watched a video of Barragan being stabbed. Further investigation led detectives to learn the three teens allegedly shared Instagram messages admitting to the murder and saying they needed to flee to the Tri-Cities to avoid arrest.