Crime · Benton County
Two Men Charged With Attempted Murder of Juveniles in Benton County Shooting
Two men were charged with attempted murder after shooting at two juveniles during a target-shooting outing in rural Benton County, Washington, on Oct. 18. Axel E. Zermeno, 19, and Jayden Oneal, 18, allegedly fired a .357 Magnum and a KelTec .22 Magnum at the teenagers from about 5-6 feet away before fleeing the scene near Owens Road off State Route 397. Deputies learned of the incident on Oct. 20 when one juvenile arrived at the Benton County Juvenile Justice Center with visible injuries. Both suspects were arrested in late October and pleaded innocent to charges including first-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault and unlawful possession of a firearm.