GRANT COUNTY, Wash. — Two people have been arrested for the 2021 shooting death of Kristopher Vincent in Grant County.
According to the Grant county Sheriff’s Office, 20-year-old Melquiades Manuel Benavidez of Moses Lake and 20-year-old Gilberto Sanchez Medina of Mattawa were arrested for first-degree murder and drive by shooting.
Benavidez was arrested on Friday and booked into the Grant County Jail. Medina was served Saturday morning as he sat in the Grant County Jail for an unrelated crime.
The Sheriff’s Office says both men were 15 when the shooting happened.
According to investigators, Benavidez was driving the vehicle while Medina was armed with a shotgun.
On May 26, 2021, the two passed the victim as he walked along Airway Drive NE near Cochran Road NE. The sheriff’s office says the two decided to rob the victim and stopped the vehicle next to him.
Medina then shot Vincent. His body was discovered a few hours later.
Investigators say the shooting was believed to be random and there is no known connection between Vincent and the two men.
Prosecuting Attorney Brandon Guernsey says that he is grateful to see the arrests made and is looking forward to seeking justice for Vincent.
“Our hearts remain with Mr. Vincent’s family as they continue to endure this unimaginable loss,” he said.
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