YAKIMA, Wash. — May 13, 2025 — The victim of the deadly shooting at Chesterley Skate Park in Yakima on the evening of May 12 has been identified as 36-year-old Raul R. Macias. According to the Yakima Police Department, Macias was fatally shot in the presence of his three children around 7:20 p.m. While authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, preliminary evidence suggests the shooting may be gang-related. Macias’ death is the second homicide in Yakima in less than a week, further adding to the rising concerns about violent crime in the area.

The Shooting Incident

On Monday evening, officers responded to a report of a gunshot victim at Chesterley Skate Park, located at 3702 River Road in Yakima. When they arrived at the scene, they found Macias suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper torso. A bystander was attempting to administer CPR when police arrived, but despite their continued lifesaving efforts, paramedics pronounced Macias dead at the scene.

Witnesses reported that Macias had been in a confrontation with three individuals shortly before the shooting. According to the probable cause affidavit, one of the suspects fired a single shot at Macias, fatally wounding him. A witness also provided police with a photo of the suspects, with one individual described as wearing red sweatpants and a red sweatshirt. After the shooting, this suspect allegedly pointed a firearm at the witness, escalating the situation.

Police Response and Suspect Pursuit

In response to the shooting, Yakima Police, assisted by the Washington State Patrol and the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, launched a search of the surrounding area. The search led officers to the 3400 block of Chesterley Lane, where two of the suspects were found between residential homes. As officers approached, the suspects attempted to flee by jumping a fence, but they were quickly detained.

One of the suspects was released after refusing to cooperate with investigators. However, the second suspect, later identified as 22-year-old Jesus Ramiro Rodriguez, was taken into custody. Rodriguez, a transient and alleged Norteño gang member, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, and second-degree assault.

During the search of the area, officers recovered a 9mm pistol, a revolver, and a 9mm shell casing, all believed to be connected to the shooting. The evidence gathered during this search will play a key role in the investigation as authorities work to piece together the full details of the crime.

Background on Suspect Jesus Ramiro Rodriguez

Rodriguez’s criminal history is under scrutiny, as court records show that he had a prior conviction for third-degree assault in 2019. The conviction stemmed from a violent altercation in which he body-slammed another juvenile. As part of his sentence, Rodriguez’s right to possess firearms was revoked. Additionally, he was previously involved in a 2024 domestic violence incident that further prohibited him from legally owning weapons.

Rodriguez’s connection to the Norteño gang and his involvement in violent crimes have raised concerns that the shooting of Macias may be tied to gang activity. Yakima Police Captain Chad Janis noted that early evidence suggests the shooting may have been gang-related, and investigators are following up on leads to determine whether this incident was part of a larger pattern of violence connected to gang rivalry.

Rodriguez is currently being held at the Yakima County Jail and is expected to make his first court appearance on Tuesday afternoon. The charges against him include second-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and second-degree assault. Given his prior criminal history and the violent nature of the shooting, authorities are taking this case very seriously as they work to ensure that justice is served for Raul Macias and his grieving family.

The Victim: Raul R. Macias

Raul Macias, a 36-year-old resident of Yakima, was known for his dedication to his family. He was with his three children at the park when the tragic shooting occurred. Macias’ sudden death has left his loved ones in shock, as they cope with the loss of a father, friend, and community member. Macias’ friends and family are still coming to terms with the violence that took his life, and they are mourning the tragic circumstances that unfolded in a public park.

While Macias had been involved in a confrontation just prior to the shooting, witnesses have described him as a person who was simply enjoying a day at the park with his children, making the sudden and violent nature of his death all the more shocking. The fact that he was fatally shot in front of his children has added to the heartbreak for his family, who now must deal with the grief of losing a loved one under such senseless circumstances.

Gang Activity and Violence in Yakima

Macias’ death marks the second homicide in Yakima in less than a week. Just two days before, on May 10, 2025, 37-year-old Richard E. Peterson was fatally shot in a separate incident. In connection with Peterson’s death, 19-year-old Ka-Sean A. Smalley was arrested, and authorities are continuing to investigate whether the two shootings are connected.

So far this year, there have been four reported homicides in Yakima and seven across Yakima County. These statistics reflect an alarming rise in violent crime in the area, prompting law enforcement to intensify their efforts to address the underlying issues driving this violence. Authorities have also noted that the presence of gangs, including the Norteño and Sureño gangs, has contributed to the recent uptick in shootings and other violent incidents.

As law enforcement works to investigate these shootings and uncover any possible connections between them, community leaders are calling for greater action to address gang violence and to ensure that public spaces remain safe for families and residents. The ongoing violence has created an atmosphere of fear, with many in the community worried about the safety of their children and loved ones.

The Investigation Continues

As the investigation into the shooting of Raul Macias continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Detectives are particularly interested in any video footage or additional witnesses who may have been in the area at the time of the shooting. The Yakima Police Department is also working closely with the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Patrol to gather evidence and build a case against the suspects involved.

Sgt. Noah Johnson, a lead investigator on the case, can be reached at (509) 576-6874 for anyone with information. The community is being asked to provide any tips or footage that could help authorities in solving the case. As always, tips can remain anonymous through the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Community Mourning and Calls for Justice

The shooting of Raul Macias has left the Yakima community in mourning. His death, especially in front of his children, has sent shockwaves through the city, prompting discussions about the need for safer public spaces and more effective measures to curb gang violence. Community members have expressed their grief and support for Macias’ family, as they process the loss of a man who was taken too soon.

The tragedy has also sparked renewed calls for action to address the growing problem of gang violence in Yakima. Law enforcement and local leaders are pledging to continue their efforts to combat this issue, but they also recognize that the involvement of the community is essential to making lasting change.

Conclusion

The fatal shooting of Raul R. Macias at Chesterley Skate Park on May 12, 2025, marks a tragic chapter in Yakima’s ongoing struggle with violence. With one suspect arrested and a gang-related motive being investigated, the community is left with more questions than answers. As authorities continue to work to solve this case, the memory of Macias, a father and a friend, will remain at the forefront of the community’s efforts to combat violence and ensure justice is served. As Yakima deals with this senseless loss, the hope is that the investigation will uncover the truth and that Macias’ family will receive the justice they deserve.