In the quiet evening of December 21, 2023, a 36-year-old Hispanic man named Juan Belloso was gunned down in the driveway of his Kennewick, Washington, home on South Vancouver Street. The attack occurred around 8:40 p.m. as Belloso was bringing groceries into his house. Neighbors reported hearing the sound of gunshots and quickly dialed 911. When police arrived, they found Belloso lying in his driveway with multiple gunshot wounds.
He was rushed to Kadlec Regional Medical Center, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries. At the time of the shooting, no one else was present at his residence.
Investigators have described the killing as a targeted execution. The evidence suggests that the assailant parked their vehicle nearby, approached Belloso on foot, and fired several shots before fleeing the scene. Although neighbors heard the gunfire, they did not see the actual event unfold. Police believe that this was not a random act of violence and that Belloso likely knew his attacker. Despite this belief, a suspect has not been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made in connection with the homicide. Detectives have indicated that crucial information about the circumstances leading to his death may be known by people in the community and have urged them to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Juan Belloso was a mechanic and a father of two. According to his family and law enforcement, he was not involved in any gang or drug activity. His mother, Maria Palomares, has expressed the family's profound grief and confusion over why someone would want to take his life. The mysterious nature of his death has left his loved ones searching for answers. While court records show a past criminal history for Belloso, it primarily consists of charges for driving without a license, with a more serious offense of taking a corrections officer's vehicle in 2009. The police investigation into his murder remains active as they continue to seek justice for him and his family.
