In the late hours of April 19, 2019, a violent altercation outside an apartment on North Beech Street in Toppenish, Washington, ended the life of 50-year-old Daniel Campos. An argument that reportedly broke out among four men escalated, culminating in one individual drawing a pistol and shooting Campos multiple times. The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m.
While police identified the shooting as gang-related, family members have stated that Daniel was not involved in any gang activities.
Following the fatal shooting, authorities moved swiftly to apprehend three suspects who had fled the scene in a vehicle. Witnesses at the scene were able to identify the individuals, leading to the arrest of 20-year-old Trejuan Nason, 18-year-old Daniel Franco-Zacarias, and a 17-year-old who was not publicly named. All three were subsequently charged with second-degree murder. The getaway car was also located by law enforcement shortly after the incident.
In a significant turn of events, the Yakima County District Attorney's office later dropped the charges against Nason, Franco-Zacarias, and the juvenile, citing insufficient evidence. Despite the initial arrests, the case remained open, and police continued their investigation, seeking new leads and additional suspects. The community was left on edge by the violent event, with residents voicing concerns over ongoing gang-related violence in the area. Daniel Campos was remembered by his loved ones as a kind and generous man who had a passion for cooking and was always willing to help others. His family has continued to advocate for justice in his case.
