Renton, Washington – A 16-year-old boy facing charges for a fatal shooting incident over the weekend in Renton was ordered to be held on a $1 million bail according to court records. The suspect, who was on electronic home monitoring at the time of the incident, is suspected of killing another teenager in the shooting incident. The shooting took place on April 13 in a neighborhood near Highlands Elementary School.
The victim was identified as 15-year-old Jaime Villeda by close friends. The suspect reportedly called 911 after the shooting and stayed at the scene until first responders arrived to take Villeda to the hospital. Police confirmed that the victim and the suspect knew each other. Prosecutor Logan Bryant stated that the suspect used a firearm known as a “ghost gun,” which is untraceable, in the fatal shooting.
The 16-year-old suspect was on electronic home monitoring due to his involvement in a drive-by shooting incident in Renton in November 2023. The prosecutor mentioned that the victim of the fatal shooting was believed to be one of the individuals shot at during the drive-by incident. The suspect, charged with second-degree manslaughter and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, is expected to appear in court on April 18.
Renton Police Chief Jon Schuldt expressed concerns about the rise in teen crime in the area, stating that such incidents are making the community less safe. He highlighted recent incidents involving teenagers engaging in reckless behavior, such as driving into oncoming traffic in a stolen car and being involved in armed carjackings.
Friends of Jaime Villeda remembered him as a joyful and loving individual who was always there for others. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support his family in the wake of the tragedy. The community mourns the loss of Villeda and is calling for action to address the concerning spike in teen crime in Renton.
In a tragic turn of events, the fatal shooting of Jaime Villeda sheds light on the complex issues surrounding juvenile crime in Renton. As the community grapples with the loss of a young life, authorities are working to understand the factors contributing to the rise in teen crime and to prevent such incidents in the future. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing youth violence and providing support to at-risk individuals in the community.