Teen arrested for murder after man found deceased in vehicle

By on Thursday, November 3rd, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

KENNEWICK – A 14-year-old boy was arrested Wednesday in connection with the fatal shooting death of Julian Chavez, 19, on Oct. 29. The teen was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Benton-Franklin Juvenile Justice Center for the alleged crime of first-degree murder.

Detectives from the Kennewick Police Department have been actively working this homicide investigation since it occurred last Saturday.

On Oct. 29 at about 9:15 p.m., officers responded to the 1100 block of West Fifth Avenue for a report of gunfire. When officers arrived on scene, they located a two-vehicle collision with one deceased male inside one of the vehicles.

On Monday, the victim was identified as Chavez. Benton County Coroner William Leach said his last known address was in the East Kennewick/Finley area. An autopsy was performed Tuesday on Chavez in Spokane. Leach said Chavez died from gunshot wounds.

The Kennewick Police Department said this is still an active investigation.