Braylon Daniel Diaz, 17, was shot and killed in Parkland, Washington, on Sunday evening, May 24, 2026, while walking with his girlfriend near the 10200 block of Sheridan Avenue South. Deputies said suspects in a vehicle robbed him of jewelry before shooting him and fleeing the scene. Despite CPR and other life‑saving measures, Diaz was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Diaz was walking with his girlfriend, 16‑year‑old Katelyn Zuniga, when a red four‑door car pulled up. Zuniga said the occupants demanded his necklace, which he gave up willingly, but he was still shot. She described seeing four people inside the vehicle. Investigators believe the attack was random and have not released suspect identities.
Deputies received the first 911 calls at 7:13 p.m. reporting a teen lying in the roadway. Responding officers and medics attempted resuscitation, but Diaz did not survive. A portion of Sheridan Avenue was closed for several hours as detectives collected evidence and canvassed the neighborhood for surveillance footage.
On Tuesday, May 26, detectives released surveillance video of the suspect vehicle, asking the public to help identify it. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office urged residents within a three‑mile radius to review home security footage and provide any information that could assist the investigation.
Diaz was a junior at Washington High School in Parkland, where he played soccer and football. Friends and family described him as a dedicated student with plans to join the military after graduation. His girlfriend said he protected her in his final moments, emphasizing his caring nature.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help Diaz’s family cover funeral expenses and support them through their grief. The fundraiser describes him as a bright, loving young man whose life was cut short far too soon. Community members have gathered at a growing memorial near the scene, leaving flowers and messages in his honor.
