KENNEWICK, Wash. — “He had dreams like everybody else, he wanted to study school – barber school for cutting hairs and he also wanted to do tattoos – it was one of his biggest dreams,” Celestina Chavez spoke about her late son, Julian Chavez.
Celestina said Julian had a lot going for him, but his life was cut short on October 29th.
Family said Julian was in his car, meeting up with someone to sell them vape pens, when he was shot inside his car.
“He was the sweetest one, the kindest one, the good kid and now he’s gone, completely gone,” she said.
Julian was the middle of three children, with a sister and brother.
Celestina said it’s hard to grasp that her sweet son, who was only 19, is dead.
“If he were to see you sad, he would say ‘hey mom it’s okay, everything’s going to be okay,’” Celestina cried.
Two, 14 year old’s are facing charges for involvement in Julian’s death and his family told me investigators are looking into a third suspect who’s in custody already for a separate case. Julian’s family told me there’s a video that shows the gun being fired and Julian’s car rolling away.
On Wednesday, the teens appeared in court for hearings. One, for an omnibus hearing to set pretrial and trial dates. The second teen appeared where the judge announced the suspect is seeing a specialist for a decline status, he was also assigned a second public defender. Decline status means the prosecutor, respondent or court has proposed to move the defendant to adult court. RCW states a 14 year old facing a 1st degree murder charge is eligible for such a motion.
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Celestina is praying the teens are charged as adults.
“I mean we weren’t prepared for this, it just happened like — it’s hard for me to explain this I mean I don’t understand you know, it’s just, it’s just, why?” she asked.
Julian’s family said they’re worried that if the suspects aren’t tried as adults, they could walk free by the time they’re 21 years old.
“All I want is justice, justice for my son.”
It could be some time before we know if both or either of the teens will be tried as adults, stay with KAPP KVEW for the latest on this case.
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