Relationship: alleged shooting motive

EPHRATA - The Tuesday shooting in Moses Lake was allegedly motivated because the victims were former members of rival gangs and in a relationship.

Prosecutors charged David A. Chester, 16, of Moses Lake, with attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault in Grant County Superior Court, according to court records.

State law allows 16- and 17-year-olds accused of certain crimes, including attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault, to be charged as adults.

Grant County Superior Court Judge John Antosz set Chester's bail at $300,000.

Chester came to the victims' Third Avenue residence, telling them he was at a party and didn't want to go back, and asked for a ride. Chester was allegedly carrying a .22 caliber rifle in his pants, according to a Moses Lake police report. The two agreed to give Chester a ride. When they drove past the house where the party was happening, Chester reportedly ducked in his seat.

When they neared Frontier Middle School, Chester allegedly told the male victim to drop him off, according to court records. They pulled over. The female victim exited to let Chester out.

When Chester got out, he allegedly pointed the rifle at the male victim's head, according to the police report. The female victim reportedly grabbed the rifle as it fired. The bullet went through her hand and hit the male victim's head, grazing his scalp. The woman allegedly took the rifle away from Chester, and he fled the scene.

The two drove to Samaritan Healthcare in Moses Lake. The man was later transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, according to the police report.

The woman and the man used to be members of rival gangs, and both had cut ties with their gangs, according to court records. She reported receiving threats because of their relationship.