A tragic family nightmare has unfolded in Arizona, where a 19-year-old is accused of killing his younger brother during a heated parking lot confrontation.
Police say the deadly incident happened on Sept. 13 around 8 p.m. in a Starbucks parking lot in Yuma. Responders found 17-year-old Javier Figueroa unresponsive at the scene. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but could not be saved.
According to investigators, the fight involved Javier, his older brother Juan Figueroa, and a 36-year-old man. Authorities allege the confrontation escalated into a “road rage incident” that turned physical, and Juan ultimately struck his younger brother with his car.
Juan was arrested hours later and booked on charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder. He remains behind bars on a $500,000 bond, with court dates still pending.
The third man involved told police that the Figueroa brothers tried to attack him with a knife, sparking the brawl. Juan reportedly claimed he only meant to hit the man with his car to protect Javier, but accidentally struck his brother instead.
Their father, Joseph Figueroa, says he was on the phone with his sons when the situation spiraled out of control. “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,” he told local reporters.
Heartbroken, Joseph described Javier and Juan as inseparable. “I’m trying to bury one son and bail the other one,” he said. “I need to know the truth, so I can help him.”
Javier, who would have turned 18 soon, is being remembered by friends and family as full of life. A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover funeral expenses and support the grieving family.