At Yakima’s Randall Park dog park, the father, 28, who was “acting irrationally” near him and his young child, fired at the man, according to the police.
Authorities have named the deceased as Yakima resident Daniel Ortega, 22, who “attempted to harm the tiny child’s life with his words and actions,” according to police.
As he attempted to leave the park, the 28-year-old father allegedly urged Ortega to leave his family alone. After failing to defuse the issue verbally, the guy fatally shot Ortega with a lawfully licensed gun, according to authorities.
The 28-year-old male, who is also from Yakima, was released from custody after working with detectives, according to police, after they questioned numerous witnesses.
The Yakima County prosecutors will review the police report and decide whether to file criminal charges against the shooter.
Police have not specified exactly what Ortega did that was “erratic” or what he said or did that led him to fear he was risking the child’s life. Also unknown is whether he had a weapon.
Terrence Niles, Ortega’s buddy, revealed to the Yakima Herald-Republic that Ortega battled mental illness and homelessness. Niles claimed that in 2022 he went away for a time and that nobody knew where he was.
Was it acceptable? Or was my friend assassinated in order to preserve his mental stability? said Niles. “We need more details about him allegedly endangering the youngster,” someone said.
How did we arrive at this situation? How did he come to die all by himself?” he continued.
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