by The older brother, Juan Figueroa, has been charged with first-degree murder after he allegedly struck and killed his younger brother, Javier Figueroa, with his car during an intense confrontation. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident which reportedly began as an altercation involving three individuals.
Details Surrounding the Road Rage Incident
The Yuma Police Department and Fire Department responded to a motor vehicle collision at approximately 7:57 p.m. local time on September 13th. Upon arrival, responders found Javier Figueroa, 17, unresponsive at the scene. Despite immediate medical attention and transport to a nearby hospital, Javier was pronounced dead.
According to a media release, three people were involved: Juan Figueroa (19), Javier’s brother; Javier himself; and an unnamed 36-year-old man. An initial investigation revealed that a road rage dispute sparked a physical fight among the three, culminating in Juan allegedly striking Javier with his vehicle.
Conflicting Accounts and Ongoing Investigation
The situation remains complex as different versions of the events have surfaced. The 36-year-old man claimed that the brothers tried to attack him with a knife, which led to a physical altercation involving Javier. Meanwhile, Juan asserted that he was aiming to protect his brother by hitting the 36-year-old man with his car but accidentally struck Javier instead.
“I’m trying to bury one son and bail the other one. I need to know the truth, so I can help him,” said their father, Joseph Figueroa, expressing the family’s anguish and desire for clarity during this tragic time.
Juan was booked on Sept. 14 for first-degree murder and attempted murder and is currently held on a $500,000 bond, with court dates yet to be scheduled. The 36-year-old man was questioned and released by police.
Family Impact and Community Support Efforts
Joseph Figueroa described the close bond between his sons, highlighting the depth of his loss. Juan had recently graduated from high school, and Javier was days away from his 18th birthday. The father also shared that his children had called him for help during the incident and that they were being chased by the other man involved.
- The incident occurred in a busy Starbucks parking lot in Yuma on September 13 around 7:57 p.m.
- Juan Figueroa is charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder.
- Javier was pronounced dead after being struck.
- A GoFundMe has been created to assist with funeral expenses and family support.
The community has rallied to support the Figueroa family during this devastating period, including through funds raised to help with funeral arrangements and immediate needs.
For ongoing updates on this case and similar news, source details are available from People Magazine’s reporting on the incident here.
What Lies Ahead for the Figueroa Family and the Case
As legal proceedings begin, the family and community await further developments. The father’s plea for the truth underscores the complicated nature of the case—where questions of intent, accident, and protection intertwine.
“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 Figueroa disclosed, shedding light on the frantic moments before tragedy struck.
The unfolding investigation and court process will aim to clarify the events that led to the death of Javier Figueroa, while the Figueroa family grapples with the consequences of an incident that has permanently altered their lives.
What do you think about this tragic road rage incident? Have you or someone you know been affected by a similar event? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
