Retaliation for Testifying Motive Behind Walla Walla Gang Shooting

According to court documents and police reports, four men are facing murder charges after a fatal shooting last weekend in the parking lot behind the Green Lantern Tavern in Walla Walla.

Officials say two of the suspects were watching the victim and a friend inside, while two others waiting outside. The victims, Andres Solis and Juan P. Martinez, were shot as they went outside around 11:25pm.  Solis was a target because he was a former member of the suspect's gang, and a few months ago testified in court against another gang member in a murder trial. Martinez had no known gang affiliation and was said to just be hanging out with Solis. Martinez was pronounced dead at St. Mary's Medical Center, while Solis survived several gunshot wounds.

The four suspects who are facing murder charges are, according to the Walla Walla Union Bulletin:

"Local gang members Emanuel A. Pantaleon, 23; brothers Birzavit Carmona-Hernandez, 23, and Antonio Carmona-Hernandez, 21; and Roberto R. Arroyo, 25, also were charged Monday in Superior Court with first-degree assault and intimidating a witness."

The investigation shows Solis broke the gang 'code of silence' when it comes to ratting out, snitching on, or testifying against another gang member. If convicted, the men could face decades in prison.