WAPATO, Wash. — A significant court ruling emerged from the Yakima County Superior Court on Friday, absolving Elias Joel C. Campos-Dones of murder and drive-by shooting charges linked to a fatal incident in Wapato. Meanwhile, the jury found Xavier Anthony Randall guilty of second-degree murder and related accusations stemming from the May 5 shooting death of Charlie Jimenez.
During the trial, it surfaced that Randall also faced charges for fleeing police after attempting to evade a Toppenish officer soon after Jimenez was fatally shot. This action led to an escalated pursuit that concluded with Randall’s vehicle crashing, capturing further law enforcement attention. The court found Randall guilty of eluding police with the aggravating factor that he was armed, a detail that could extend his sentence.
The jury deliberated for around 10 hours beginning Thursday, shortly before noon, displaying thorough scrutiny of the case’s details before pronouncing their verdict. Neither defendant displayed any emotion upon hearing the decisions of the court.
Subsequent to these rulings, Judge Kevin Naught mandated the continued confinement of Randall without bail pending his sentencing scheduled for March 14. Campos-Dones, however, was granted court supervision until his sentencing on March 31, predominantly due to questions surrounding the evidence against him pertaining to firearm possession.
Scott Bruns, representing Campos-Dones, expressed a desire to understand the jury’s rationale, especially since DNA evidence on the 9mm Smith & Wesson, identified at the scene, was traced solely to Randall. This argument underscored ongoing questions about Campos-Dones’ actual involvement with the firearm.
The circumstances around Jimenez’s death came under investigation when off-duty Toppenish officer Cristian DeLeon reported hearing gunshots on the night of May 5. DeLeon noticed a car speeding away from the 700 block of South Wasco Avenue and subsequently discovered Jimenez grievously wounded outside his home. Jimenez, 35, succumbed to his injuries, which included shots to the abdomen, chest, and leg, while being rushed to the hospital.
Additional evidence from the night of the crime included a multitude of 9mm and .40-caliber shell casings found at the location. A high-speed chase later ensued when a Toppenish police officer recognized the suspects’ car, culminating in Randall crashing into a utility pole in Buena and a subsequent foot chase during which he discarded a gun holster and the weapon.
Forensic analysis affirmed that the 9mm Smith & Wesson was the source of casings found both in the Neon Randall drove and at the shooting scene. Despite the weapon being registered to Randall’s cousin and DNA tests confirming only his prints on the gun, video evidence suggested gunfire emanated from the passenger’s seat, precisely where Campos-Dones was seated.
As the community grapples with the outcomes of this trial, it marks a critical juncture in understanding both the responsibilities and implications of gun possession and the harrowing impact of violent crime on small communities.
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