Payton Mattson, a 20-year-old White male, was fatally shot in Kent, Washington, on November 26, 2017, in what began as a marijuana deal and quickly escalated into a deadly robbery. The events of that night unfolded in a residential neighborhood on Kent's East Hill, where Mattson had arranged to sell a quarter-pound of marijuana.
The transaction was initiated by a 17-year-old, Shkumbim Gllareva, who contacted a mutual acquaintance to set up the purchase.
Gllareva arrived at the scene in a Mercedes sedan, accompanied by 18-year-old Hector Galeano Jr. Mattson, who was in his own car with the acquaintance who had arranged the deal, invited Galeano into his vehicle to complete the transaction. During the deal, Mattson showed Galeano a bag containing a significant amount of cash. Galeano then asked to take a picture of the money, to which Mattson agreed.
Suddenly, Galeano grabbed the bag of cash, produced a handgun, and fled from Mattson's car. Mattson gave chase, and moments later, Galeano fired multiple shots, striking and killing Mattson. Galeano then escaped in the Mercedes driven by Gllareva. Investigators later found seven spent 9mm cartridge casings at the scene, along with scattered $20 bills.
In the aftermath of the shooting, both suspects turned themselves in to the Kent Police. Hector Galeano Jr. was charged with first-degree murder. Shkumbim Gllareva was also arrested and subsequently charged with first-degree murder, with prosecutors alleging he was instrumental in planning the robbery. Cellphone records reportedly showed extensive communication between Galeano and Gllareva on the day of the killing, where they discussed their financial troubles and plans for a robbery.
