New details emerge in Kennewick teens accused of murder
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, December 12th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – New developments are coming out in the case against three teenage boys, all from Kennewick, allegedly involved in the 2022 fatal stabbing of Miguel Perez Barragan, 24 in Walla Walla County.
Kenny Stephen Sanchez-Garcia, 17, has filed an appeal alleging the juvenile court abused its discretion when it declined juvenile court jurisdiction and remanded him to adult court. Sanchez-Garcia is being charged as an adult with first-degree murder.
Walla Walla County Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney April King said she will respond to Sanchez-Garcia’s appeal and that his adult case has been moved to March 4.
According to King, Walla Walla County Superior Court Judge Scott Wolfram granted the state’s motion to charge the second defendant, a 17-year-old boy, as an adult. However, last Friday, his defense council objected to the wording, so entry of written orders has been continued to Thursday to address the matter.
As for the third defendant, a 15-year-old boy. King said he has waived his right to a speedy trial. New court dates for him will be set in 2024.
Barragan’s remains were discovered off Kibler Road northeast of Walla Walla on July 5, 2022. Court documents state Barragan was murdered on or around June 29, 2022.
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.
