On a tragic morning in May of 2020, the life of 34-year-old Hispanic male Francisco Javier Cortes Ochoa was cut short in what authorities have described as a suspected drive-by shooting. The incident occurred on May 19, 2020, near the quiet farming community of Sunnyside, Washington. A resident of the nearby city of Toppenish, Cortes Ochoa was discovered inside his vehicle in the 600 block of SLI Road.
Law enforcement from the Yakima County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the
Sunnyside Police Department, responded to a call that Sunday morning to find a grim scene. Cortes Ochoa was found to have sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators believe that he was shot while driving, which subsequently caused his vehicle to crash. Despite the efforts of first responders, he was pronounced dead at the location.
An autopsy later confirmed that Francisco Javier Cortes Ochoa's death was a homicide resulting from the gunshot wounds. In the immediate aftermath of the discovery, authorities launched an investigation into the fatal shooting. However, law enforcement officials did not immediately identify any suspects in connection with the case.
The investigation into the death of Francisco Javier Cortes Ochoa remains ongoing. Authorities have not publicly released information regarding any potential suspects or arrests in the years that have followed his death. The case continues to be an open homicide investigation as his family and community await answers and justice for his untimely passing.
