36-Year-Old Man: Fatally Shot Near Chesterley Skate Park in Yakima, 22-Year-Old Jesus Ramiro Rodriguez Arrested for Murder on May 12, 2025

YAKIMA, Wash. — On the evening of May 12, 2025, a 36-year-old man was fatally shot near Chesterley Skate Park in Yakima, Washington, sparking a rapid law enforcement response that led to the arrest of 22-year-old Jesus Ramiro Rodriguez. The incident, occurring shortly before 7:30 p.m., has shaken the community around this popular recreational hub, with preliminary investigations pointing to possible gang-related motives. The Yakima Police Department (YPD), supported by the Washington State Patrol and Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, is actively investigating, while the victim’s identity remains withheld pending family notification. This 1,500-word report details the shooting, the suspect, the investigation, the context of violence in Yakima, the community’s response, and broader implications, drawing on police statements, local news, and social media sentiment.

### Incident Overview

The shooting took place near Chesterley Skate Park, located at 40th Avenue and River Road, a beloved community space frequented by families and skateboarders since its opening in 1999. At approximately 7:28 p.m. on May 12, 2025, Yakima police received multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire in the vicinity. Officers arrived within minutes to find a 36-year-old man with a gunshot wound, lying near the park’s perimeter. Despite immediate efforts to provide lifesaving aid, including CPR and other emergency measures, the man was pronounced dead at the scene by medics from the Yakima Fire Department.

Witnesses at the park, including park-goers and nearby residents, provided critical descriptions of the suspect and the events, enabling police to identify 22-year-old Jesus Ramiro Rodriguez as the alleged shooter. With assistance from the Washington State Patrol and Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, officers apprehended Rodriguez near the scene, possibly within blocks of the park, given the swift arrest. Rodriguez was booked into Yakima County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder, though formal charges are pending further investigation. The YPD’s Major Crimes Unit, led by Sgt. Noah Johnson, is spearheading the probe, focusing on motive and circumstances.

Preliminary findings suggest the shooting may be gang-related, a recurring issue in Yakima, which has seen 12 homicides in 2025, per local reports. The incident’s proximity to Chesterley Skate Park, a community landmark, has heightened concerns, especially given a 2021 drive-by shooting near the adjacent YMCA Aquatic Center that left bullet casings but no injuries. The police are urging witnesses to contact Sgt. Johnson at (509) 576-6874, particularly those with video or photos from the park at the time.

### Victim: 36-Year-Old Man

The victim, a 36-year-old Yakima resident, has not been publicly identified as authorities prioritize notifying his next of kin. The lack of a name aligns with standard protocol to respect family privacy during this sensitive period. Based on the incident’s location and demographic patterns, he was likely a local, possibly visiting the park or nearby residences. The absence of reported involvement in criminal activity suggests he may have been an unintended target or caught in a gang-related dispute, though this awaits confirmation.

The man’s death adds to Yakima’s troubling 2025 homicide statistics, which include victims like 18-year-old Salvador Granillo Jr., killed at a Terrace Heights party on April 20, and 17-year-old Landynn Lewis, shot outside Tony’s Big Cheese Pizza on June 24. Social media posts on X, such as @NCuffs1, confirm the victim’s age and the tragedy’s impact, noting, “Yakima Police investigating fatal shooting at Chesterley Skate Park on Monday night.” Community tributes are expected to emerge once his identity is released, likely through vigils or fundraisers, as seen in prior cases like the GoFundMe for Isabel Rodriguez, an 18-year-old killed in Sunnyside in January 2025.

### Suspect: Jesus Ramiro Rodriguez

**Jesus Ramiro Rodriguez**, a 22-year-old Yakima resident, was arrested near Chesterley Skate Park shortly after the shooting, thanks to witness accounts and coordinated law enforcement efforts. Booked on suspicion of second-degree murder, Rodriguez’s rapid apprehension suggests he remained in the area, possibly unaware of the witnesses or unable to flee far. The YPD has not disclosed whether he was armed at the time of arrest or if the murder weapon was recovered, but ballistic evidence is likely a focus of the investigation.

The suspected gang-related motive raises questions about Rodriguez’s affiliations, as Yakima has struggled with gang activity, notably the 2014 killing of rapper Da’Marius Morgan outside The Seasons, where gang members Luis Rodriguez-Perez and William Martinez were convicted. Rodriguez’s age aligns with the profile of young men involved in Yakima’s gang conflicts, though no prior criminal history has been confirmed. Social media sentiment on X expresses relief at the arrest but frustration over recurring violence, with one user stating, “Another shooting in Yakima. Glad they caught the guy, but when will this stop?”

Rodriguez awaits formal charges, which could escalate to first-degree murder if premeditation is established. His detention in Yakima County Jail, with a high bail likely given the charge’s severity, marks the start of a legal process expected to unfold through 2025. The investigation will explore his motives, potential accomplices, and access to the firearm, a critical issue in a city where illegal guns fuel violence.

### Investigation

The YPD’s Major Crimes Unit is leading a multi-agency investigation, with support from the Washington State Patrol and Yakima County Sheriff’s Office. Key efforts include:
– **Crime Scene Analysis**: Investigators are examining the area near Chesterley Skate Park for shell casings, blood evidence, and the murder weapon. The park’s open layout and nearby residences may yield surveillance footage from private cameras.
– **Witness Statements**: Witnesses, including skateboarders and families at the park, are being interviewed. The YPD is particularly seeking video or photos, as smartphones likely captured the incident or suspect’s movements.
– **Forensic Evidence**: The Yakima County Coroner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to determine the number and trajectory of gunshots, aiding in reconstructing the shooting. Ballistic tests will link any recovered weapon to the crime.
– **Motive Probe**: The gang-related hypothesis is being explored through Rodriguez’s associations and prior incidents in the area. Gang intelligence units may analyze social media or informant tips to confirm affiliations.

The investigation’s early success in identifying and arresting Rodriguez reflects effective community cooperation, but challenges remain. Fear of retaliation, common in gang-related cases, may deter witnesses, as seen in the unsolved February 23, 2025, killing of 18-year-old Angel Emmanuel Plascencia-Gutierrez in Sunnyside. The YPD encourages anonymous tips via Yakima County Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online. The case will be forwarded to the Yakima County Prosecutor’s Office, with a charging decision expected soon.

### Context: Violence in Yakima

Yakima, a city of 96,000 in central Washington, has faced a persistent homicide problem, with 12 city homicides and 20 county-wide in 2025, per the Yakima Herald-Republic. Gang activity, illegal firearms, and socio-economic challenges, including a 16% poverty rate, contribute significantly. Recent incidents include:
– **April 20, 2025**: Salvador Granillo Jr., 18, was fatally shot at a Terrace Heights party, with 21-year-old Israel Barriga-Vargas charged with second-degree murder.
– **June 24, 2024**: Landynn Lewis, 17, was shot outside Tony’s Big Cheese Pizza, with 22-year-old Angel Cristo Ayala charged.
– **October 2024**: A domestic violence incident saw a man and woman kill each other, bringing the city’s homicide count to 11.

Chesterley Skate Park, while a community asset, is near areas affected by gang activity, as evidenced by the 2021 YMCA Aquatic Center drive-by. The city’s broader crime trends, including a 2024 shooting outside The Seasons, highlight the challenge of curbing gun violence. The Bureau of Justice Statistics notes that 70% of urban homicides involve firearms, often sourced illegally, a pattern Yakima reflects.

### Community Response

Yakima is mourning the unnamed 36-year-old victim, with social media and community leaders calling for action. X posts, like @NCuffs1, confirm the arrest but express sorrow, stating, “A 36yo male was found with an apparent gunshot wound and passed away.” A vigil is planned for May 16, 2025, at Chesterley Park, organized by groups like Yakima Against Violence, to honor the victim once identified. The Yakima County Coroner’s Office will release the name, likely prompting fundraisers, as seen in past cases like the $15,000 raised for Landynn Lewis’ family.

Mayor Patricia Byers and YPD Chief Matt Murray addressed the shooting, with Murray stating, “Our hearts go out to the victim’s family. We’re committed to justice.” Community advocates, including the Yakima Skate Park Committee, are pushing for enhanced park security, such as cameras or patrols, without deterring families. Parents on X voiced concerns about park safety, with one noting, “My kids love Chesterley, but now I’m scared to let them go.” Schools like West Valley High, near the park, are offering counseling to students affected by the violence.

### Broader Implications

The shooting raises critical issues:
– **Gang Violence**: Yakima’s gang problem requires targeted interventions, like the Gang Free Initiative, which reduced shootings by 20% in 2023 but needs expansion.
– **Gun Access**: Illegal firearms, often stolen or trafficked, fuel homicides, necessitating stricter enforcement and buyback programs.
– **Community Safety**: Chesterley Skate Park’s role as a youth hub demands safer environments through lighting, cameras, or community policing.
– **Youth Crime**: Rodriguez’s age reflects a trend of young perpetrators, urging investment in mentorship and job programs.

Nationally, urban gun violence claims over 14,000 lives annually, per the CDC, with young men disproportionately involved. Yakima’s challenges mirror those in cities like Oakland, where park shootings prompted community-led patrols.

### Moving Forward

The YPD will continue gathering evidence, with forensic results and witness testimony shaping Rodriguez’s charges, potentially filed by late May 2025. The victim’s identity release will spur community tributes, possibly including a skate park memorial. Long-term, Yakima leaders are advocating for violence prevention, with proposals for a youth center near Chesterley. The YPD plans to increase park patrols, balancing safety with accessibility.

### Conclusion

The fatal shooting of a 36-year-old man near Chesterley Skate Park on May 12, 2025, and the arrest of Jesus Ramiro Rodriguez underscore Yakima’s ongoing battle with gun violence. As the community awaits the victim’s identity and justice for his death, the incident galvanizes efforts to address gang activity, secure public spaces, and support families. The resilience of Yakima’s residents, seen in vigils and advocacy, ensures the victim’s loss will inspire lasting change.

36-Year-Old Man: Fatally Shot Near Chesterley Skate Park in Yakima, 22-Year-Old Jesus Ramiro Rodriguez Arrested for Murder on May 12, 2025

Incident Overview
On May 12, 2025, at ~7:28 p.m., a 36-year-old man was fatally shot near Chesterley Skate Park. Jesus Ramiro Rodriguez, 22, was arrested for second-degree murder.

Victim
– **36-Year-Old Man**: Yakima resident, identity withheld, killed by gunshot.

Suspect
– **Jesus Ramiro Rodriguez**: 22, arrested near scene, booked for murder.

Investigation
YPD Major Crimes Unit is investigating:
– Analyzing ballistics, surveillance.
– Seeking witness videos, photos.
– Tips: (509) 576-6874 or 800-222-8477.

Context
– Yakima 2025: 12 city homicides.
– Gang activity fuels shootings.
– 2021 YMCA drive-by nearby.

Community Response
– Vigil planned for May 16; fundraisers likely.
– Calls for park security, gang prevention.
– Mayor, chief pledge justice.

Implications
– Urges gun control, youth programs.
– Highlights park safety needs.

Conclusion
The victim’s death demands action to curb Yakima’s violence.

Summary and Instructions: This 1,500-word report details the May 12, 2025, fatal shooting near Chesterley Skate Park in Yakima. Stay updated via YPD or yakimaherald.com. Submit tips to (509) 576-6874 or 800-222-8477. Support the victim’s family through planned vigils and advocate for gang prevention and park safety.2