On May 27, 2024, a dispute that began with a vehicle collision in Sunnyside, Washington, tragically escalated, ending the life of 21-year-old Hispanic/Latino male Lucio Moses Castaneda. The incident started when Castaneda's vehicle and a vehicle driven by 20-year-old Marques Cardenas of Outlook, Washington, were involved in a crash. Following the collision, Cardenas allegedly displayed gang signs before driving away from the scene.
Castaneda chose to pursue Cardenas, following him for
approximately five blocks and attempting to pull up alongside his vehicle. It was at this point that Cardenas reportedly fired six shots into Castaneda's car, striking and fatally wounding him. A passenger in Castaneda's vehicle at the time of the shooting was unharmed. After the shooting, Cardenas fled but crashed his own vehicle shortly thereafter. He attempted to escape on foot but was quickly apprehended by police with the help of witnesses.
Marques Cardenas was arrested and later appeared in Yakima County Superior Court. He faces charges of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Authorities have stated that the incident is believed to be gang-related, identifying Cardenas as a member of the Norteño gang. His bail was set at $750,000 as the investigation into the fatal shooting continues. Following an autopsy, the Yakima County Coroner confirmed Castaneda's identity.
