In the late hours of June 24, 2024, a burst of violence outside a Yakima, Washington pizzeria tragically cut short the life of 17-year-old Landynn Nyte Lewis. The incident unfolded in the parking lot of Tony's Big Cheese Pizza on West Nob Hill Boulevard, where Lewis was shot in the head while in the driver's seat of a Jeep. He was rushed to MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital and later transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, but his injuries proved to be catastrophic.
Surrounded by his family, the young man, described as a respectful and loving individual who would do anything to protect his loved ones, succumbed to his injuries on June 25, 2024. At the time of the shooting, five other minors were in the vehicle with Lewis; they sustained only minor injuries from shrapnel. Family members believe Landynn was attempting to drive his family to safety when the shots were fired.
Police arrested a suspect at the scene, identified as 21-year-old Angel Cristo Ayala of Yakima. Authorities have described the shooting as "gang involved," noting that Ayala is a documented Norteño gang member. However, it has not been suggested that Lewis or the other occupants of the vehicle were involved in any gang activity. Ayala was initially booked on six counts of first-degree assault, with bail set at $250,000. Following Lewis's death, authorities indicated that Ayala could face homicide charges.
In the wake of the tragedy, Ayala claimed he acted in self-defense. He alleged that the Jeep Lewis was driving sped toward him and a friend as they walked through the parking lot. According to police reports, Ayala admitted to showing gang signs as he passed the vehicle before opening fire with a 10mm Glock. The incident, which marked the seventh homicide in Yakima that year, has left the community in mourning. A GoFundMe campaign was established to assist Landynn's family with funeral expenses and other costs during their time of grief.
