On the evening of Friday, February 16, 2024, a devastating act of violence cut short the lives of two young brothers in Sunnyside, Washington. Maurice Xavier Hernandez, a 17-year-old Hispanic/Latino male, and his 13-year-old brother, Isaak Hernandez, were fatally shot while waiting in a vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 10:40 p.m. in the 1500 block of East Edison Avenue.
The brothers had accompanied their mother to a local store.
While she was inside, one or more assailants opened fire on the vehicle, striking both boys multiple times. When police responded to calls of shots fired, they discovered the tragic scene. Both Maurice and Isaak were pronounced dead at the location. An autopsy later confirmed that they both died from multiple gunshot wounds.
In the days following the shooting, the Sunnyside community mourned the loss of the two teenagers. A candlelight vigil was held to honor their memory. The investigation into their deaths is ongoing, and authorities have indicated they suspect more than one shooter was involved. While the motive for the shooting has not been officially released, police have not ruled out the possibility of it being gang or drug-related.
Authorities made an arrest in the case, taking a 13-year-old male into custody on suspicion of first-degree murder and accomplice to first-degree murder. However, the juvenile suspect was later released from custody as the prosecutor declined to file charges at that time, citing the need for more information before proceeding. As of now, no other arrests have been made, and police are continuing to seek tips from the public to bring those responsible for the deaths of Maurice and Isaak Hernandez to justice.
