Yakima Cops Can’t Talk To Juvenile Suspects Without an Attorney

Two rival gangs met last Friday night at Yakima's McGuinness Park in the area of  North 14th Ave and Swan Avenue and a big fight resulted in the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Unikque Ramirez.

WA STATE LAW PROTECTS JUVENILES FROM BEING INTERVIEWED BY POLICE

Today still no arrests. And police know that if any of the possible suspects are under the age of 18-years-old they can't speak with them directly to find out any information. That's because Washington State law requires minors have access to an attorney before a police interview or interrogation.

POLICE MAY HAVE AN IDEA WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SHOOTING BUT THEY CAN'T TALK TO THE JUVENILE

So while police may have an idea about who may be responsible for the shooting the investigation is hindered by the inability for police to speak with a possible suspect or suspects who are under the age of 18-years-old.

IF YOU KNOW SOMETHING YOU CAN LEAVE TIPS ANONYMOUSLY

The fatal shooting was reported Friday, March 1 at the park. Police continue to look for tips from the public. Anyone with information that could lead to the identity of a suspect or suspects should contact the Yakima Police Department Major Crimes Unit Sergeant Johnson at (509) 728-1641 or call 911 if after hours.
Anonymous tips can also be routed through Yakima County Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).

YAKIMA NOT GETTING ANY DIRECT HELP FROM THE CRIME LAB BECAUSE THE DEPARTMENT HAS THE SAME SERVICES ALREADY

Unlike other cities in the valley that work closely with the Yakima County Crime Lab in solving assaults and murders the city of Yakima is not part of the group of cities that help fund or directly benefit from the crime lab work. Yakima city officials decided not to help fund the lab since many of the services offered are already available to investigators in the Yakima Police Department.

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