Suspected murder accomplice caught

OTHELLO — Adrian Adame-Madrid, 18, Othello, was arrested for murder in the first degree, as an accomplice, Tuesday in relation to the April 11 shooting death of 33-year-old Manuel Antonio Arousa, of Warden.

Information gathered during the investigation led an Adams County patrol sergeant to a residence on Steele Road, six miles southeast of Othello, stated Grant County Undersheriff John Turley. The sergeant contacted the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and advised he had Adame under surveillance and requested assistance with the arrest.

Sheriff’s deputies from both agencies and Othello police established a perimeter around the home before directing Adame to exit the house, he stated.

Adame-Madrid was taken into custody after a short verbal interaction.

On the morning of April 11, Israel Morfin, 27, of Sunnyside, and Adame-Madrid reportedly approached Arousa, who was sitting in a parked vehicle. A verbal argument ensued about money owed to Morfin. The suspects reportedly began removing stereo equipment from the victim’s car despite having been given the money owed.

During the altercation, Arousa reportedly said something to Morfin that upset him. Morfin allegedly began assaulting him with a handgun. The handgun discharged killing Arousa instantly with a single gunshot.

Morfin is being charged with murder in the first degree and unlawful possession of a firearm after allegedly shooting the victim once in the head and attempting to flee from police.

Adame-Madrid was arrested as an accomplice to murder in the first degree.