On a tragic evening in Boardman, Oregon, the life of 28-year-old Hispanic male Evencio Salas Birrueta was cut short. The events of September 11, 2016, unfolded at the Wilson Road Mobile Home Park, stemming from a dispute that had turned violent earlier in the day. The conflict began over a debt, reportedly connected to a small drug transaction. The suspect, 17-year-old David Alvarez, had allegedly punched Salas Birrueta in front of his young daughter because of money owed.
Later that
day, seeking to confront Alvarez, Salas Birrueta drove to the mobile home park, accompanied by another individual. Knowing that Alvarez was often armed and had made threats in the past, Salas Birrueta's associate brought a handgun. When the confrontation occurred, a single shot was fired, striking Salas Birrueta in the shoulder area. The wound proved to be fatal. After being hit, Salas Birrueta lost consciousness at the wheel of his truck, causing the vehicle to accelerate uncontrollably. His passenger managed to steer the truck until it crashed into a nearby field.
In the immediate aftermath, Alvarez fled the scene, making his way to his father's residence near Longview, Washington. However, his freedom was short-lived. About 20 hours after the shooting, he surrendered to authorities in Cowlitz County. Back in Boardman, police officers arrived at the crash scene to find Salas Birrueta, but lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful. The investigation initially faced challenges as the witness in Salas Birrueta's truck gave conflicting stories before finally revealing the full context of the confrontation. A search of the victim's truck uncovered a firearm, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia hidden behind the glove box.
David Alvarez was initially charged with murder and unlawful use of a weapon. He was transferred from a juvenile facility to the Umatilla County Jail after he turned 18 to face the charges as an adult. In September 2017, he accepted a plea agreement. Alvarez pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter. In exchange for his plea, the murder charge was dropped. He was sentenced to an enhanced sentence of 100 months, just over eight years, in prison. The prosecutor noted that the conflict appeared to stem from a drug deal between the two men.
