Murder charge dropped in Vasquez shooting

EPHRATA — The murder charge was dropped against one of the people allegedly involved in shooting death of Juan “Pooky” Vasquez.

Grant County Superior Court Judge John Antosz dismissed the charge of murder in the first degree against Frankie Mahto Larioz, 19, Moses Lake.

Both the prosecutor’s office and defense attorney agreed to drop the charge, according to Grant County Superior Court records. ?A charged of rendering criminal assistance in the first degree was added.

“Charges initially are made based on the evidence available. If there is new evidence, they are modified in the light of the evidence,” Prosecutor Angus Lee said. “I can not specifically tell you more.”

Larioz was allegedly driving with Cesar I. Ramos DeLaCruz, 27, Moses Lake, searching for a juvenile owing Ramos DeLaCruz money for marijuana. Larioz spotted Vasquez at the intersection of Vandenberg and Doolittle Drive, according to a Grant County Sheriff’s Office report.

When Larioz approached the car, Vasquez spotted DeLaCruz and drove off, according to the police report. DeLaCruz ordered the other man to follow Vasquez and they pulled up behind him at the intersection of Doolittle Drive and Patton Boulevard, according to the police report.

Ramos DeLaCruz then approached Vasquez’s car, allegedly pulling out a gun and shooting Vasquez twice with a .357 Magnum. A third shot missed the victim, according to the police report.

Prosecutors claim Larioz intended to prevent, hinder or delay the apprehension of Ramos DeLaCruz, according to court records.

Ramos DeLaCruz sent a letter to Antosz earlier this month, claiming Larioz did not know what would happen.

Ramos DeLaCruz remains charged with murder in the first degree.

Frank Cikutovich, Larioz’s attorney, was not available to comment.

The Columbia Basin Herald was not allowed to contact deputy prosecutor Ed Owens, who is handling the case, because Lee instituted a policy in April directing all media calls to him. He said the reason for the decision was because he needed to take responsibility for the actions taken by his office.

“It has nothing to do with politics,” he said.

Deputy Prosecutor Albert Lin opposes Lee in the upcoming general election for the position of Grant County prosecutor.