10/16/2026
The Benton County Prosecutor’s Office was asked to review the shooting death of Alejandro Salazar, which occurred on October 12, 2026, at 24802 Rothrock Rd., Benton County, WA.
Three members of the Prosecutor’s Office responded to the investigation scene and were briefed by law enforcement. Based on the information known at that time and following consultation between the Sheriff’s Office and the Prosecutor’s Office, Jose Cruz Escobar, Alejandro Salazar’s half-brother, was booked into the Benton County Jail for a felony investigation hold. Following additional investigation and meetings between the investigators and assigned prosecutors, the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office has determined that there is insufficient evidence to continue to detain Jose Cruz Escobar. This is based on evidence indicating that Cruz Escobar likely acted in self-defense.
During the investigation, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office cordoned off the area of the shooting and conducted a full examination of the physical scene, which was extensively documented. A search warrant was obtained for the residence. Furthermore, interviews were conducted with all the involved persons. Law enforcement learned that Salazar had been treated at a nearby hospital for a mental health crisis earlier that day. During his hospitalization, Salazar become aggressive and was administered a sedative. Salazar was released from the hospital and returned home approximately two hours before the shooting. Salazar’s sister who also resided at the residence was afraid of Salazar based on an incident that occurred the night before. Salazar advised his family that he was looking for a butane tank that he was unable to find. Cruz Escobar was scheduled to attend a job interview in Richland that evening. His mother had planned to drive Cruz Escobar to the interview, and his sister was going to accompany them due to safety concerns about remaining alone with Salazar at the family residence. Before leaving, Salazar approached the vehicle occupied by his mother and sister, demanding that they let him in the vehicle. Salazar had a rock in his hand and threatened to smash the vehicle window where his sister was sitting. Salazar went back into the residence. Cruz Escobar was making a tea and preparing to leave for his interview. During an argument between the two regarding Salazar’s attempts to locate the butane tank, Salazar punched Cruz Escobar in the face and pressed him against a kitchen cupboard. Cruz Escobar was able to retreat to his bedroom where he obtained a fi***rm. Upon returning to the kitchen with the fi***rm, Salazar threw the rock at Cruz Escobar which struck the red dot sight mounted on the gun. The fi***rm with the broken sight and glass and plastic shards were found later inside the residence corroborating Cruz Escobar’s account. Cruz Escobar and Salazar exited the residence, using separate entrances. Their sister was still seated in the family vehicle when Cruz Escobar and Salazar reappeared in the driveway. According to Cruz Escobar, Salazar approached him aggressively. Cruz Escobar was in the driveway near the vehicle. Cruz Escobar claims that he fired several warning shots into the ground. When Salazar continued to approach aggressively Cruz Escobar fired a shot which he claims he aimed at Salazar’s lower extremity. Instead, that shot struck Salazar in the abdomen. Cruz Escobar immediately attempted to render aid to his brother and called 911. Salazar succumbed to his injuries and was declared deceased at the scene. The initial 911 call was reported as a drive by shooting, however no vehicles were seen by the nearby witnesses leaving the residence at the time of the shooting.
Based on the nature of the evidence learned from the witnesses at the scene, the physical evidence recovered on the night of the shooting and based on Cruz Escobar initially lying to law enforcement regarding his involvement on the night of the shooting, Cruz Escobar was placed under arrest and booked on an investigative hold for murder in the second degree.
Upon further extensive review by law enforcement and the assigned prosecutors in the days following his arrest, it appears that Cruz Escobar acted in self-defense when he fired the round that struck Salazar. Salazar had engaged in threatening behavior the night before directed at his sister. His sister did not feel safe and did not want to remain at the residence with Salazar. Salazar had been contacted the day before by law enforcement leading to a mental health crisis that required his hospitalization. Salazar’s aggressive behavior continued upon his return from the hospital, including threatening his sister with the rock, punching Cruz Escobar, throwing a rock at Cruz Escobar, who was much smaller in stature, and approaching Cruz Escobar in an aggressive fashion at the time of the shooting. Based on this information, Cruz Escobar will be released from custody on his investigative hold. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is deferring a final charging decision pending a review of the outstanding records that have been requested by law enforcement.
The Benton County Prosecutor’s Office would like to thank the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and all the responding law enforcement officers for their timely and thorough investigation of this matter. A final decision will be made upon submission of the completed investigation report to the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office.
