Renton, Washington – A 16-year-old boy faced a judge in juvenile court with bail set at $1 million, suspected of killing another teen in Renton over the weekend. The young suspect was on electronic home monitoring at the time of the incident, following a previous shooting.
The incident, which took place on April 13 near Highlands Elementary School, resulted in the tragic death of 15-year-old Jaime Villeda, identified by close friends as the victim. The shooter, also 16 years old, contacted 911 to report the shooting and remained at the scene until first responders arrived to rush Villeda to the hospital. The suspect was subsequently arrested, and the firearm was confiscated by authorities.
Prosecutor Logan Bryant disclosed that the suspect had access to an untraceable “ghost gun” used in the shooting. The shooter had been placed on electronic home monitoring after a prior involvement in a drive-by shooting in Renton. It was revealed that Villeda was likely one of the victims in the previous incident.
During the suspect’s initial court appearance, Judge Veronica Galvan highlighted the conditions that the teenager was meant to adhere to while on electronic home monitoring for the initial case. The judge emphasized that failing to meet these conditions led to the tragic outcome that resulted in Villeda’s death.
The suspect is facing charges of second-degree manslaughter and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. The court is set to reconvene on April 18 to further address the case.
Chief Jon Schuldt of the Renton Police Department expressed deep concern over the rise in teen-related crimes, stating that such incidents are making communities less safe. Recent events, such as a group of teenagers engaging in reckless behavior involving a stolen car and armed carjacking incidents, underscore the severity of the issue.
Friends and family of Villeda remember him as a kind-hearted and caring individual, describing him as a source of joy and support for those around him. A GoFundMe page has been established to support Villeda’s family in the wake of the tragedy. The community mourns the loss of a young life and grapples with the impact of such senseless violence.