Third man charged in drive-by killing

EPHRATA — A third man is facing charges in a March drive-by shooting between Beverly and Schawana.

Martin Ochoa Ramos, 41, Sunnyside made his first appearance in court on Friday facing one count of first degree murder - accomplice liability. The alleged shooters, Luis. A. Mejia Nunez, 20, Mattawa and a 15-year-old juvenile, appeared in court Thursday on charges of one count of murder in the first degree and one count of attempted first degree murder.

Grant County Superior Court Judge John Antosz set Ramos’ bail at $1 million.

Ramos reportedly drove the car carrying Mejia Nunez and the 15-year-old, when they passed three members of a rival gang walking on Road T.5 Southwest. As the car passed them, one of occupants “flipped them off or did some other hand gesture,” according to the Grant County sheriff’s report.

The car reportedly returned about 10 minutes later and Mejia Nunez and the 15-year-old allegedly fired from the rear windows, striking and killing 17-year-old Carlos D. Leyva. An 18-year-old was also struck in the ankle and was transported to Samaritan Healthcare in Moses Lake.

Prosecutors filed for a decline hearing for the 15-year-old in an attempt to charge him as an adult, Prosecutor Angus Lee said.