Yuma, AZ – A 19-year-old Yuma man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after police say he ran over and killed his younger brother during a violent road rage incident on Saturday night.
Deadly Incident in Starbucks Parking Lot
The incident happened around 8 p.m. in the Starbucks parking lot near 4th Avenue and Arizona Avenue.
Police said Juan Figueroa, 19, and his brother, Javier Figueroa, were riding in the same car when they became involved in a confrontation with a 36-year-old driver.
- The dispute escalated into a physical altercation.
- Police say Juan then ran over Javier with the car.
- Javier was rushed to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The 36-year-old driver was questioned by investigators and later released. Authorities said his role in the confrontation remains under review.
Investigation Ongoing
Police noted that there were no security cameras pointed at the specific area where the deadly confrontation occurred.
“Our detectives are doing everything, scouring the area for any videos, anything,” said Yuma Police Sgt. Lori Franklin.
AZFamily reported that the detectives are interviewing witnesses and searching for additional evidence to determine exactly how the altercation unfolded.
Father’s Heartbreak and Search for Answers
The brothers’ father, Joseph Figueroa, said his sons had called him during the chase, telling him another driver was pursuing them and trying to ram their vehicle.
Joseph said he urged them to call 911 since the police station was nearby, but the situation escalated before help arrived.
“I told them to hang up and call 911 because the police station was just down the street, but I guess they didn’t make it,” Joseph said.
Now, Joseph is left grieving one son while trying to support the other.
“I’m trying to bury one son and bail the other one. I need to know the truth so I can help him,” he said.
Joseph also told reporters that people who witnessed the incident have reached out to him via social media, suggesting there may be more to the story than what has been reported so far.
Remembering the Brothers
Joseph described his sons as inseparable and hardworking.
- Juan Figueroa, 19, had recently graduated from high school.
- Javier Figueroa, known as “Milo,” was just weeks away from graduating and celebrating his 18th birthday.
“Juan, he is a good kid, a hard worker. He just graduated,” Joseph said.
The family is now struggling to reconcile the devastating events that turned their lives upside down.
Charges Filed
Police confirmed that Juan Figueroa has been arrested and is facing:
- First-degree murder
- Attempted first-degree murder
Investigators said drugs and alcohol were not factors in the deadly road rage case. The investigation remains ongoing.
What are your thoughts on this tragic family case in Yuma? Do you believe this was intentional, or could it have been a terrible accident during the fight? Share your opinion in the comments below.
