A tragic road rage incident in a Yuma Starbucks parking lot has left a 17-year-old boy dead and his 19-year-old brother under arrest on suspicion of first-degree murder, authorities report. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, the younger brother, Javier Figueroa, was pronounced dead after being struck by a vehicle on the evening of Sept. 13.
Yuma police have stated that the altercation took place around 8 p.m. near 4th Avenue and 16th Street, following a dispute involving three individuals. During the argument, 17-year-old Javier was hit by a vehicle driven by his older brother, Juan Figueroa. He was later transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. In the wake of this incident, Juan faces both first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder charges, AZ Family detailed.
Det. Lori Franklin of Yuma Police noted a lack of surveillance in the area, which has prompted an exhaustive search for any video evidence. “Our detectives are doing everything, scouring the area for any videos, anything,” Franklin stated in an interview given to AZ Family. A 36-year-old man involved in the incident was questioned by police but subsequently released. Information is being sought from anyone who might assist in shedding light on the situation.
Seeking truth and reconciliation in this family tragedy, Joseph Figueroa, father of both Juan and Javier, has called for answers. "I’m trying to bury one son and bail the other one. I need to know the truth so I can help him," Joseph Figueroa conveyed to AZ Family. He cites social media outreach from witnesses who claim there's more to the story, and has expressed the inseparability of his sons, pointing out Juan's recent high school graduation and Javier's approaching 18th birthday.
As the investigation continues, police have confirmed that neither drugs nor alcohol was involved in the fatal encounter. Community members with knowledge of the incident are urged to contact the Yuma Police Department at either 928-783-4421 or 928-782-7463 to provide information or to remain anonymous. The family, meanwhile, is facing both the grief of Javier’s untimely death and the legal ramifications facing Juan, as they have established a GoFundMe page to address the costs of Javier's funeral expenses and other support.
