Teen Arrested After Brother Killed in Road Rage Confrontation in Yuma
Authorities say a 19-year-old ran over his 17-year-old brother during a chase with another driver; detectives are seeking video evidence.
YUMA, Ariz. — A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after police say he ran over and killed his 17-year-old brother during a road rage confrontation in a Yuma parking lot on Saturday night.
Yuma Police said the incident unfolded around 8 p.m. near 4th Avenue and Arizona Avenue after the two brothers were involved in a chase and altercation with a 36-year-old driver. The younger brother, identified by family and police as Javier "Milo" Figueroa, was rushed to a hospital and later died. Juan Figueroa, 19, was booked on counts of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder and remains in custody. Police said neither drugs nor alcohol were factors in the crash.
Yuma Police Sgt. Lori Franklin said investigators have been canvassing the area for video evidence because there were no cameras trained on the exact area of the incident. "Our detectives are doing everything, scouring the area for any videos, anything," Franklin said. Authorities questioned the 36-year-old driver and released him.
Family members have disputed aspects of the early reporting and called for a full and transparent investigation. An aunt, Wendy Gomez, wrote on a GoFundMe page that the family regarded Javier as a victim and alleged the father was denied access to his son at the scene and at the hospital. Gomez said witnesses had come forward with video identifying the other driver and said Juan "is also a victim." The family launched the fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and legal fees.
Joseph Figueroa, the boys' father, told local media that his sons had called him in a panic during the pursuit and that he told them to hang up and call 911. "I told them to hang up and call 911 because the police station was just down the street, but I guess they didn't make it," he said. He described Juan as a hard worker who had just graduated high school and said Javier was weeks away from turning 18 and collecting his diploma.
Police have appealed to the public for information and asked anyone with footage or information related to the incident to contact the Yuma Police Department at 928-783-4421. Those wishing to remain anonymous were directed to call 928-782-7463.
Investigators have not released a full account of the events leading up to the crash and are continuing to interview witnesses and review any available video. The Yuma Police Department said its detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the confrontation and the vehicle striking the victim.
Court records and further public statements from prosecutors were not immediately available. The investigation remains active as authorities seek to corroborate witness accounts and determine whether any additional charges will be filed.