In a heartbreaking incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, an 18-year-old student from Garfield High School was tragically shot and killed in Yakima on Easter Sunday. The victim, identified as Salvador “Junior” Granillo, was involved in an altercation that escalated into violence, leading to his untimely death. The suspect, 21-year-old Isreal Barriga Vargas, is currently at large, prompting an extensive manhunt by local authorities.
According to reports from the Yakima Herald-Republic, the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) received a call shortly after 2 a.m. indicating that an 18-year-old male from Seattle had sustained a gunshot wound. He was rushed to MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries. Investigators believe the shooting occurred following a confrontation near the intersection of South Keys Road and West Birchfield Road.
In the wake of this tragedy, the YCSO has identified Vargas as the primary suspect and is urging the public to remain vigilant, as he is considered armed and dangerous. Officials have reported that he fled the scene in a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, bearing Washington license plates CRH8859.
As the community grapples with this devastating loss, Garfield High School is taking steps to honor Junior Granillo’s memory. The Garfield High School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) announced on social media that a candlelight vigil will be held at the school on Monday at 4 p.m.
Additionally, the school’s Razas Unidas group will be gathering flowers in tribute to Granillo on Tuesday morning before classes begin. This tragic event may create the urgent need for discussions around youth violence and community safety, as students, families, and friends come together to remember a young life taken far too soon.
