Yakima Police Still Investigating Motive Behind Double Slaying

Yakima Police say a 26-year-old man arrested in connection with the killing of two women employees of the Moneytree lending business in Yakima worked at the business himself about two years ago.

Capt. Jeff Schneider says Manuel Verduzco was arrested Saturday afternoon, hours after the shooting early Saturday morning at South First and East Walnut streets.

"It's obvious that they were familiar with him and that he used that initially to gain access to the building, and then it just fell apart for him." Schneider told KIT on Monday.

Verduzco is being held in the Yakima County Jail, facing charges of first-degree murder and first-degree burglary in connection with the deaths of 27-year-old Karina Morales-Rodriguez and 30-year-old Marta Martinez.

Schneider says police have collected a lot of physical evidence, including videos of the scene from the business and other nearby businesses. No more arrests are planned as the investigation continues. The business remained closed Monday.

People have started a small memorial of flowers outside the Moneytree. A moment of blessing will be held at the business at noon Tuesday. The public is invited.