In a tragic and heart-wrenching incident on July 21, 2023, 14-year-old Benjamin Enciso lost his life in Yakima, Washington. The events unfolded at a home near Lions Park where he and another teenager, 15-year-old Liliana Mendez, were present with a friend.
Yakima Police were dispatched to the residence at approximately 3:45 pm. Upon arrival, they discovered three individuals inside the home, two of whom were deceased.
The Yakima County Coroner, Jim Curtice, later identified the deceased as Benjamin Enciso and Liliana Mendez. The third individual, a friend of the two teenagers, was present but was not involved in the fatal events.
According to the investigation, the tragedy began when the two teens were handling a firearm. It is believed that the gun accidentally discharged, striking Benjamin Enciso in the head. In the immediate aftermath of this devastating accident, Liliana Mendez then used the same weapon to take her own life. Authorities did not release information regarding the ownership of the gun or how it came into the possession of the teenagers.
The Yakima Police Chief, Matt Murray, addressed the community in a video message on the day of the shooting, assuring residents that there was no ongoing threat to the public. The coroner described the situation as "sad and tragic," and noted the profound devastation experienced by both families upon being notified of the deaths. The case was ultimately determined to be an accidental shooting and a suicide, and as such, there were no arrests made or suspects sought in connection with the incident.
