In the early morning hours of July 24, 2025, the life of 21-year-old Zuriel Pollicino, a White male from Yakima, was tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence. Described by his family as a vibrant, kind, and loving young man with bright blue eyes and a beautiful smile that could brighten any room, Zuriel was known for his inquisitive nature and intelligence.
From a young age, he was curious about how things worked, often tinkering with and taking things apart to understand their mechanics. This curiosity extended to computers, a subject he explored with his grandfather. His family remembers him as a source of boundless joy, a beautiful soul whose laughter and kindness left a lasting impact on everyone he knew.
The circumstances that led to his death unfolded in an ordinary setting, a drive-thru area near South 72nd Avenue and Tieton Drive. At approximately 1:30 a.m., Zuriel was standing and speaking with someone inside a vehicle when an argument broke out. The verbal altercation escalated with shocking speed, ending when a single gunshot was fired. Officers were dispatched to the scene and found Zuriel gravely wounded. Despite their efforts to save him, he succumbed to the single gunshot wound at the scene. His sudden and tragic passing left his family grappling with an unfillable void and immeasurable grief.
In the wake of the shooting, the Yakima Police Department's Major Crimes Unit launched a homicide investigation. Detectives began searching for clues and canvassing the area for any surveillance footage that might have captured the suspect or the vehicle involved in the altercation. Authorities appealed to the public for any information that could lead to an arrest, encouraging witnesses to come forward. However, in the days and weeks that followed, no arrests were made, and no suspects were publicly identified. The investigation into who was responsible for the death of Zuriel Pollicino remains ongoing, leaving a community and a heartbroken family waiting for answers and justice.
