Sheriff asks for help finding shooting suspect

OKANOGAN — Javier Ramirez-Cardenas, 30, Okanogan is being sought by police for allegedly executing a father of two in their Okanogan home.

He is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.

“Ramirez-Cardenas is considered armed and dangerous and is possibly armed with a 9-mm handgun or shotgun,” stated Okanogan County Sheriff Frank Rogers.

The suspect reportedly went to the home of Jose Antonio Padilla-Campos, 34, Okanogan, at Johnny Appleseed Orchards Friday night and shot him several times while he sat at his computer, according to the sheriff’s office. He died at the scene.

During the murder, Padilla-Campos’ 7-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son were in the room, but neither child was injured.

“The suspect and victim did know each other and we are still working on a motive,” Rogers said. “From what we learned at the scene, it may have been over a woman; (there’s) nothing to indicate robbery or anything else.”

Ramirez-Cardenas possibly left the scene in his dark blue Nissan Altima, which was found hidden in a nearby orchard the next day, according to the sheriff’s office. Ramirez-Cardenas then borrowed a blue 1993 Ford Ranger pickup but it was found near his residence.

If people know where Ramirez-Cardenas is or see him, the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office asks people to stay away from him and call 9-1-1 or 509-422-7232.

He is considered armed and dangerous.