Vehicle tied to fatal shooting of Parkland teen found abandoned in Federal Way

The vehicle in connection with the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy in Parkland was found abandoned in Federal Way on Wednesday.

Braylon Daniel Diaz was shot and killed on May 24 while walking with his girlfriend near 102nd Street S. and Sheridan Avenue S. The suspects robbed Diaz of jewelry, then shot him before speeding away.

Vehicle’s recovery brings investigators closer to an arrest of Parkland shooter

On Tuesday, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) released a picture of the car believed to have been used in the robbery and fatal shooting, asking for the public’s help.

Investigators confirmed that they now have a person of interest in the homicide.

“The car has enough evidential value in it, so this has definitely launched us one step closer to making an arrest,” Cappetto said.

Deputy Cappetto said the car was not reported stolen, but would not say if an arrest is imminent.

What deputies say happened the night Diaz was killed

At approximately 7:15 p.m., PCSO deputies received calls of a boy lying in the roadway in Parkland after he was shot. When deputies arrived at the scene, they began life-saving efforts on the victim, who was eventually pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, the fatal attack is believed to be random.

On Tuesday, detectives released surveillance video of the suspect vehicle, seen above.

“This remains a very active investigation,” the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office stated. “Anyone with surveillance footage or information about the suspects is asked to contact our office and speak with a detective.”

A GoFundMe has been set up to help Diaz’s family with funeral costs and additional expenses.

Contributing: Frank Sumrall; Jason Sutich, MyNorthwest

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