Suspect arrested in Wednesday’s homicide investigation in Walla Walla
By Dan Thesman on Friday, January 23rd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA — A 27-year-old man was arrested early Friday morning in connection with a fatal shooting earlier this week following what investigators described as a chance encounter between strangers that turned deadly.
Jordan James Savage, a transient also known as “Zac Savage,” was taken into custody without incident at approximately 3:19 a.m. in Richland, Washington. He has been booked into the Walla Walla County Jail on one count of first-degree murder.
The arrest follows a 48-hour investigation into the death of Arturo Serrato Martinez, 49, who was killed early Wednesday morning near North 6th Avenue and West Elm Street.
According to the Walla Walla Police Department, detectives used security camera footage and witness interviews to identify Savage as the primary suspect. Investigators tracked him to Columbia Park in Richland, where he was found sleeping in a vehicle.
Because of the nature of the crime and reports of potential weapons, the Tri-City Regional SWAT Team was called in to assist with the apprehension.
Police said Savage confessed to the shooting during an interview with detectives. Investigators believe the two men did not know each other and had no prior plans to meet. Evidence suggests they crossed paths around 2:25 a.m. Wednesday, leading to a verbal confrontation that escalated into the shooting.
“Community collaboration played a critical role in identifying and apprehending the suspect,” WWPD Public Information Officer Sgt. Nick Loudermilk said in a statement, specifically highlighting the importance of nearby surveillance footage and tips from the public.
Police have seized Savage’s vehicle and are awaiting a search warrant. The investigation remains active.
