In the late hours of a Saturday night in Wenatchee, Washington, on August 12, 2023, the life of 15-year-old Hispanic male, Tony Figueroa, was tragically cut short. The young man, also known as Anthony "Tony" Perez-Figueroa, was a gifted athlete, known for his passion for wrestling, football, and soccer. He was remembered for his big heart and a smile that could captivate anyone.
His involvement in sports began at the tender age of six, leaving a lasting mark on his coaches, teachers, and teammates who saw him as a leader.
The fatal incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. in the 600 block of South Mission Street, where a quinceañera was being celebrated. An altercation broke out at the party between Figueroa and another teenager, 17-year-old Jairo Israel Enciso of Toppenish. Authorities believe the conflict was gang-related, as the two were allegedly affiliated with rival gangs.
According to court documents, the confrontation escalated outside the event. Cell phone footage captured the two exchanging words before Figueroa approached Enciso on the sidewalk. Enciso then pulled out a firearm and, without hesitation, fired six shots at Figueroa. The suspect fled the scene, leaving Figueroa, who was pronounced dead after emergency medics were called.
Hours later, law enforcement tracked down Enciso in Yakima County during a traffic stop in an SUV that was seen leaving the scene of the shooting. He was arrested and charged as an adult with second-degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm. Enciso initially pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, he later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. For his role in the death of Tony Figueroa, Jairo Israel Enciso was sentenced to 14 years in prison. His sentence also includes time for an assault on a fellow inmate while in custody.
