Family remembers slain Pasco teen as trial nears (with video)

Pedro Garcia had trouble getting words out as he spoke about the murder of his son while standing near the spot where the Pasco teen was shot.

The family of George Garcia Thacker spoke out for the first time Friday about the Oct. 7 murder of the well-known 18-year-old.

Garcia Thacker was shot five times in the head and neck. His body was found close by a Chevy Cobalt he was driving on West River Street, nearby the cable bridge.

The former New Horizons High School student grew up in Pasco and had recently landed a job at a food processing plant before his death.

“He was trying to straighten up his life,” his father said. “He was making a change in his life.”

Brothers Nathan Quintero, 23, and Jaden Quintero, 17, were identified as suspects in the case. The Quinteros were arrested in Walla Walla after about two weeks on the run.

Garcia Thacker knew the brothers socially, though they weren’t close friends, family members said.

A witness spotted the brothers getting into the Cobalt with Garcia Thacker shortly before he was killed, court documents said. Police found a 9 mm pistol with ammunition that was consistent with shell casings found at the scene.

The Quinteros are awaiting trial for first-degree murder.

Garcia Thacker’s family told the Herald a motive for their loved one’s murder remains a mystery. Family members are trying to keep their emotions in check as they prepare for a trial.

“There’s always anger when someone murders one of your family. There’s always anger,” said Bertha Thacker, the victim’s grandmother. “I pray that justice will be done.

Garcia Thacker lost his mother, Ruth Garcia, 36, in a car crash in 2012 on Highway 12 near Wallula. Garcia Thacker’s uncle, Henry L. Thacker was driving the car and was sentenced to five years and eight months for causing the head-on crash.

This story was originally published February 5, 2016 at 9:46 PM with the headline "Family remembers slain Pasco teen as trial nears (with video)."