In newly released surveillance video, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office is asking for anyone that has information to come forward.
PARKLAND, Wash. — nvestigators with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office released new surveillance video of a car they believe was involved in the robbery and fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy in Parkland on Sunday.
Anyone with information about the vehicle, or additional video from within a 3-mile radius of the 10200 block of Sheridan Avenue South and Ainsworth Avenue South, is asked to call the sheriff’s office and speak with a detective.
On Sunday, Pierce County sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a seriously wounded person in the 10200 block of Sheridan Avenue South in Parkland around 7:13 p.m.
The victim, a 17-year-old boy identified as Braylon Diaz, suffered a gunshot wound. Medical responders performed CPR, but he died at the scene. Police initially reported he was 16.
According to Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputy Carly Cappetto, Braylon was walking with his 16-year-old girlfriend when a vehicle drove up and surprised them. His girlfriend, Katelyn Zuniga, said the occupants were interested in Braylon’s necklace. She said he gave it up willingly before he was shot.
“He did not deserve this,” Katelyn said. “He gave them what they wanted and they still killed him.”
Cappetto said there are multiple outstanding suspects. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office asked people not to approach vehicles they do not recognize.
Katelyn said she saw four people in a red four-door car she did not recognize. Investigators have not confirmed suspect details or released descriptions, but they said the attack appears to have been random.
“This was a true victim tonight,” Cappetto said.
Meanwhile, friends and family gathered at a growing memorial throughout the day Monday.
“He was just the sweetest soul,” Katelyn told KING 5.
Braylon was a junior at Washington High School. He planned to join the military after graduation. People close to him said he enjoyed soccer and was a dedicated student.
“He protected me in his last few seconds … he always cared about me,” Katelyn said.
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